Refusal Poem by Margaret Alice Second

This and that and the next thing - just don't tell me,
just don't tell me - a conversation only takes place
on MY terms, he says, don't ask questions - I won't
repeat the plot of an article or movie, I won't tell you,
I won't tell you, read it for yourself or watch the film

Just don't ask me, don't ask me, I never analyse any
topics and conversations only take place on my terms,
then he adds - Feel free to talk - and as I start - Just
don't tell me, just don't tell me, talk about the weather
or cars - but be specific, what car compared to which

Other car, don't compare unrelated things - discuss
home improvements, the paving - the nuclear waste
in the back - that's what it is, I think without saying
it - painting the paving, fixing the ceiling, sports -
but only relevant things, not the All Blacks or your

Admiration for them - just don't tell me what you think,
only tell me what I want you to think, repeat my thoughts
back to me - as for the rest, just don't tell me, just don't
tell me - and I put up with it because in life's equation as
a game of pros and cons, his honesty weighs more than

His refusal to listen to me, after all…