SILENT PARTNER was originally published in

86 Logic, Spring 2021.

No need to mention any of the names

of those who ask me, “Why so quiet, James?”

In truth, I’m quiet since I do not choose

to shallowly discuss the evening news,

to idly chat about weather reports

or wager over who should win at sports.

And why reveal the details of my life

to those caught up in private grief and strife,

who listen just to items they can use

to gossip, harbor ill, taunt or abuse,

or those who, learning of me, would dismiss

as crazy anything that runs amiss

to attitudes with which they feel at home

and scoff at the suggestion they might roam

beyond the kind of life they’ve preconceived

or outside of the faith they have believed?

Why waste a discourse on those without will,

to whom stupidity’s a social skill?

And why discuss philosophy and art,

or matters even closer to my heart,

or, with light-hearted wit, why try to start

with those whose highest humor is a fart?

This is really why I’m quiet today,

though, “… just tired, I guess,” is all I’ll say.