into each other’s eyes more,
and also to appease the mutes,
the government has decided
to allot each person exactly one hundred
and sixty-seven words, per day.
When the phone rings, I put it to my ear
without saying hello. In the restaurant
I point at chicken noodle soup.
I am adjusting well to the new way.
Late at night, I call my long distance lover,
proudly say I only used fifty-nine today.
I saved the rest for you.
When she doesn’t respond,
I know she’s used up all her words,
so I slowly whisper I love you
thirty-two and a third times.
After that, we just sit on the line
and listen to each other breathe.
Jeffrey McDaniel, “The Quiet World” from The Forgiveness Parade. (Manic D Press, 1998)
For some reason your poem reminded me of the book, 1984, by George Orwell. Probably something to do with the theme of government control. There is a lot to worry about with the freedom of speech stuff lately. Especially after the shootings in Paris.
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