Dead Words

~Jody Gilbert

Is it possible for there to be
          just too many words?
Do we reach a point of nausea,
         or maybe suffocation?
For all the years I longed for
         and gave
         long winded explanations
         I have grown weary.
I’m out of breath, coming up short.
         I can’t hear yours either.
I have grown weary of mining
         the words, and stories, for
         what is not said
         for what we might have said instead
         …only briefer.

Dickinson is right that
         only uttered words can live,
But, too many of them make an army
         out of what could have been a family.
Long windedness no longer impresses me,
          it tires me and your fear is hidden there
          only not very well.
Please, please, please, can we make it simple?

You’re amazing.
I’m glad it’s you here.
You are not alone.
I see you.
You are enough.
You matter.
Touch me.
You’re safe.
I respect you.
I missed you.
I thought of you.
It’s you.
I want you.
We are ok.