they drone
i groan
my patience
forms to stone.

minutiae, offkey, verbosity
the lifeforce drains right
out of me

a captive ear
headlights, deer
social niceties
dictate faux pleasantries

i only have so much
to give
and i’d rather not be your
therapist

and i don’t mean it should be
toxic positivity
just reciprocal mindfulness
when i become your ear diary.

i think next time
i’ll have my phone,
exclaim "ohigottatakethismessage!”
and go free alone
🥸