Can You Repeat That?

(graded poem #1)

I promise you I was listening.

I was looking at you the entire time.

I’m telling you

I am smart.

I know the answer.

I can do it.

I can hear you.

I promise.

I’m listening.

How can you be listening?

You asked me to repeat.

You ask the same question twice.

You were looking right through me.

You need to focus.

But how can I focus when the leaves move outside?

Did you see the light flicker?

What about the clock ticking?

Did you hear the door close in the hall?

I promise I’m listening.

Please.

Can you repeat that?