Silence is hard to understand alone
It can be warm and welcoming
Distant or disinterested
Or chilly or confrontational
Painful and punishing
So today, are you quiet because
You are busy eating right now
Or are you still working?
Or did you happen to fall asleep early?
Or did you get lost in a book?
Or maybe you fell down the Pinterest rabbit hole
Or maybe you fell down for real
Or are you sad–too sad to utter a word?
Or maybe you’re frustrated because things didn’t go to plan?
Or are you angry? With me?
Or irritated and wish I’d disappear?
Or are you bored with our conversations?
With Life?
Or are you visiting with someone else?
Are they interesting? Important?
Or did you get freaked out?
Or did you get sick and pass out?
Or maybe you don’t want to talk just now
Or talk to me anymore
Or did you maybe run to the store?
Or maybe….
Or did….
Or….
Painful, punishing
Confrontational, chilly
Disinterested, distant
Welcoming or warm
Apart, silence is hard to understand