CXCI

Soft-spoken is a language I can’t speak;

and though I know the words, I mimic not,

because it’s never been spoken to me,

and I can’t lie with words I haven’t got.

And part of me still wonders if it’s real.

I’ve never heard it demonstrated well.

But that makes sense--who trusts with what they feel

the ears of one who doesn’t know the spell?

But I can make the sounds up in my head--

the words that I would say, said back to me.

And that should hold me over ‘til I’m dead.

The sooner or the later that day be.

These ears are tired of all cordial talk.

I want for whispers in the din we walk.