Sparkling Reticence

(words words words.  Sorry it's not happier for the holidays and such...) 

Sparkling reticence

They act as though

my nonplussed speech slakes enthusiasm,

but truly my pontifications remain adiaphorous,

while their manner is a stinging fracas.

I recoil from the pain and

attempt to elucidate something – anything – else

besides my need for relief from the sharpness.

Sudden jokes and a constant whirl of whinge –

judging, leering, prying;

a dull effervescence in which I do not take part.

Shut my eyes, the tinny nebula presses in,

I am suffocating – haunted by yesterdays.