Whatever Your Weapon Is (Part 1)

I sense your inconsistency coming on,

The way animals predict earthquakes -

A long time before you do. 

Heels dug firmly in cork, 

I stand my ground.

Braving the ebb and flow, 

Of your puppeteered emotions. 

I watch you as you watch me intently.

Eyes darting back and forth across my placid face, 

The way a pendulum swings.

Amused at the persistence 

In the way you chase… 

Signals that could never be there. 

Not even barely. 

Your silences irritate more than they annoy.

Quirky avoidance scripts on cue. 

Overly rehearsed. 

Hardly endearing. 

And I’m no fool. 

The award for pulling teeth and tearing muscle is mine again,

For a glimpse of what you dare to conceal. 

How long should I wait before I stutter?

My bet is two minutes.

I’ll stare you down for as long as you please.

The problem with us is, 

We understand each other only completely.

Your shield is my armor,

My weapon is whatever your weapon is. 

© Adenike O. Akinbisehin, ‘Whatever Your Weapon Is’ (Part 1).