How to succeed at failing

I don’t know what to say,
So, I say nothing at all
I stair at the ceiling
And stare at the wall
Seek out the corner
Where the light doesn’t shine
Keep my face hidden’
And serve out my time

Conversations continue
I listen, attentive
Looking for avenues
To escape
Into seclusion
noticed by no-one
In case I have to engage

And once in a blue moon
you meet a Magician
Who draws out your words
with easy precision
All of the things
That you’d like to say
Pour out like rain
On a stormy day
But words rarely form
In the heat of the moment
and you’re left standing frozen
Awaiting atonement.

Circa 1985