Let's Talk Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Let's talk.

'Okay.
But...
Don't we do that everyday? '

We do.
But today?
Let's try doing something.

'Like what? '

Today...
Let's not talk about ourselves.
Our neighbors.
Or the choices they make,
To live the lives they choose.
Or who did what to who,
To leave us gossiping about it.

'Gee. Can we? '

Let's not talk about politics.
Or those with different religious beliefs.
Who should be more discipline
Or whose children are just like them.
And let's not talk about the economy.
Or who we believe is responsible for the deficit.
Let's not even discuss our own distrust of others.
Or who deceives, lies and cheats,
To leave the grieving appalled and up at nights without sleep.

'Then what is there left for us to do? '

Perhaps we can sit, relax and enjoy each other's company?

'Where do we begin?
We've never done that before.'

Let's talk.
And just 'maybe' we will uncover and find,
Something about life we actually like.
And keep that in our minds each time we meet.

'To begin talking about something positive? '

Why not?

'And do with an effort as if it's a choice?
Do you realize how difficult that is? '

Let's try it.
Let's make the attempt.

'I have nothing to say.'

That's a start.
Let's see how long we can keep it that way.

'But...
There will be nothing but silence.
It will be quiet.
It will be...'

Peaceful, quiet and enjoyed.

'Well...
Let's try it.
Let's make the attempt.'