Signs (2009)

You nodded, saying no, and I thought
how discordant your words and actions
I repeated my question slowly
as if talking to a foreigner
hoping to make myself understood
and you nodded again saying no

canting your head to one side as if
your ear hadn't caught the vibrations
I sent from my mouth to tickle them
I repeated my question more loudly
hoping to make myself heard
and you tilted your head quizzically

I could communicate by sign perhaps
(though I've tried enough of those)
or blow you some smoke signals, though
I doubt that you'd approve of that
mere lips seem so inadequate
I need an emotional Esperanto