TONE

You say
that you are sharp,
snortily sarcastic.
You say it is your way
and you cannot help yourself.
The first is true
– not so much the last.

You hide behind harsh words.
You disguise yourself
in a shroud of spite.
You are cruel
before others
can cruel unto you.

There is no need for it here.
In this room,
you don’t have to be snide
or sarcastic
or smirky
or snarky
or stinging
or standoffish.

You can be straight with me
and say what you want.
You can be honest
You can be direct.
Tell me
what it is
that you want.
Say it
and I may be able to provide.

Your manner is a choice
and I understand it and
I appreciate it
on occasion
but
it is unnecessary all of the time.
It is unnecessary
now.