we smile and nod
agreement or placation?
interest or apathy?
only I am sure which I mean
which do you mean?
we sigh and shrug
frustration or complacency?
disgust or boredom?
directed inward or outward?
we taunt and insult
in jest or honestly?
jealousy or spite?
unhappy with ourselves or others?
we compliment and show respect
fake or heartfelt?
earned or merely needed?
accepted and appreciated?
disregarded or felt unworthy?
we apologize and show remorse
sorry and will try never to repeat it?
feigning and want release from punishment?
motivated by concern, or fear,
guilt or ambivalence?
we display affection and caring
want others to feel good?
want to feel good ourselves?
conditions or unconditional?
fair weather and spur of the moment,
or lasting with sincerity?
we trade and give
trade because we expect recompense
give freely, no strings attached
how often do we "give" and mean "trade"?
how fair are we when we aren't "given"?
we take and use
is a need met?
did it cost one unfairly?
is it wrong to deny the gift of giving?
is being indebted too heavy a burden?
we cannot know anothers intent
even honesty can be used dishonestly
manipulation can be masked in truth
lack of confidence can discredit earnesty
need or irritation can alter perception
although I cannot be sure about you
I can be sure of myself
that is my starting point
my point of reference for my reality
I wish us both understanding
as we remain each others enigma