She Said, He Heard

The messages received were not understood

Though their meanings were made loud and clear.

Without the common sound of the voices

They would fall from the tongue and miss the ear.

She spoke louder and stronger and more precise.

He listened harder, more focused, and yearned

To know what was in her passionate heart

But only through another language could learn.

For his way of telling what he felt inside

And her style of reaching for connection

Were paths that seldom converged or

Even approached similar perceptions.

So she blathered on while he gave a nod,

Both pretending that it was all good,

When in truth, neither of the two

Admitted shortcomings, as they should.

Naida Lavon

Diary Poem 11/12/10

Prompt: “…through another language…”