we talk and talk and talk and talk
and then we talk some more
we hear another person's story
how they tell the score


we make a comment
here and there
imagining their game
hope against hope
at the very least
they're approximately sane


they do the same with patience
giving 'benefit of doubt'
wondering a little bit
just what you're all about


can they use or benefit
from your company
maybe you've got money
or some sincerity

what to take
the good or bad
as if they had a choice


an ear to hear their misery
a soul to hear their voice