A few common words in English bind us
a series of shrugs
and embarrassed laughter.
I talk too fast for her to understand anything.
My witty asides prove senseless.

I want to tell her she’s beautiful.
I want to tell her I’m not like the other boys.
I want to learn her language
but I can’t even ask what language it is.
I don’t get enough for that.

This can go nowhere
unless she’s looking for an anchor baby
but I don’t get that sense
from this lovely lady.
But what can I tell?
Communication is not our strong suit
try as we might.

I want to show her something.
I want to make a statement
and all my stupid words
mean nothing.