Conversation Conundrum Poem by Padmanabhan Ananth

We say a 'simple' command
And assume it's easy to understand
Then realise that message 'simple'
Was never that, after all!

If we don't apprehend
What the other has said
We'd blame the other
Of inability to express.

If the other doesn't get
What we state
We'd fault saying, 'friend
You just can't comprehend! '

'The single biggest problem
In communication is the illusion
That it has taken place! ' said Shaw*
A quote I'm quite in awe!

That famed Irish playwright
A man ever apt with his cite
Has put it so well
A message for us all.

Should nature, I wonder,
Have created some other
Way to exchange views
Between us humans?

Years ago many
I saw in a bus noisy
Five men all mute
But in such happy 'chat'

Only their hands
In fast motions
And facial expression
To press their point

Each of them, I felt
Could appreciate
What other said clearly.
For essence, no uncertainty.

For us who can talk
The answer I think
Is in the sincerity
To express correctly.

If focus' on communication
Rather than just saying
Will sure be a gratifying,
Every conversation.
- - -

*George Bernard Shaw.