Verbal Combat

Hard words delivered fast in a fury of certainty

Melt back to the corners of my consciousness slowly

When the fool marches forth with his lecturing and monotony

I pause lest I respond too fast.

My silence they mistake for weakness or impropriety,

But it is only a measured response to their haste

For there is no sense in speaking often and loudly

To a man whose ears are wide yet shut.

Words without impact carry no value

I save mine for when the time is right

And if that time never comes for us

I let retreating footsteps say what remains.