stand around
now

in front of
you in the dumb
way I do when
lost for words

check my wallet
fumble around my
jeans, search in
each pocket looking

for the secret

lift under the
cushion of the
sofa,    pull curtains,

open windows, rub
oily hand across varnished
pane

but still the
words
escape me

now I stand
nearly silent in front of
you in

the dumb
way I do