My Santiago

Emotions

She smiles and says, “I love you”

Like Pavlov’s dog you react with words threadbare and worn at the cuff.

“I love you too”

But on far-flung occasions, When truth feels taut like membrane stretched across a jar, you feel the need to insert

a mere pinprick! To say in reply, “Well thanks”,

Or “Good for you”’ Or even, “So what?”

Yet you don’t! You substitute a wan smile and limp touch of the hand,

in wordless reciprocity. Neatly straddling fences, You spark a weak man’s rebellion. After all, you know in good time, ennui will subside and you will care again! Be full of tender solicitation and – yes – sincere words of love; With no guaranteed return!

Emotions, unlike watches, Lacking synchronization!