The listener

Arrogance
Joy
Life

the listener sees through
approaching quietly
comfortable in my comfort zone

Laughter
Profound
Ironic

the listener reads between the lines
and hears
and calmly asks a question

Truth
Joking
Forgotten

the listener bides time
and comments
taking issue on a nuance

Distracted
Attentive
Nervous

the listener understands
the way
and guides through the mists of silence

Shy
Honest
Open

the listener shares the pain
in tears
and offers a place of shelter