Talk The Everyday

Let’s talk the everyday world:
the weather, the recent misgivings,
the funny story. Let’s smile
at the right moments, nod
our heads with a listener’s intent,
lock our eyes only for the few
seconds polite society approves.

In our everyday encounters with others, whether strangers, acquaintances, friends, or family, we carry on two conversations: one is the everyday talk at the surface; the other is the a deeper soul-to-soul conversation. The poem, Talk The Everyday, explores what we mght be saying to each other on that deeper level.

While we are busy looking for
the red carpet to roll out
or for the door to open in welcome,
we don't notice the unspoken conversation,
the one our hearts speak to each other
in the sacred meeting ground between us;

where we test the water for safety,
hold a wet finger up to heaven
to feel which way the wind blows,
and hold out our empty hands to show
we have sheathed our weapons.

On the surface, I may say
“I am fine, and you?” but,
in the other conversation,
I say "my heart is broken open.
How about yours?"