listen

as you talk, bright-eyed, as usual,

I'm dragged down by the tide

of your tales...as usual

realising for the first time in many times

that I never truly listen when you speak

I hear you, of course I hear you,

but I don't listen

and I don't know you,

not like I thought I did,

not like the palm of my hand,

not like the password to my phone,

but I wish I did,

which is selfish because, I admit,

I've had several chances,

but please, for the sake

of a joy I might have known,

give me my final opportunity,

before you jury me (though justly),

let me listen