“Tell us about yourself in one word.”
Passionate, I replied, immediately.
Your disbelief was undisguised
Unable to reconcile the image
Of the pale little girl, freckled nose,
Legs swinging in the too-tall chair,
With fire or fervor in any form.
The smile that creased your jaw
Raised your puppet of an eyebrow:
Leaning forward, waiting doubtfully
For some defense from my wisp of a voice.
I had nothing more to say-
Actions speak for themselves.
Ask me again, now, and my answer remains
You'll find it is your opinion that has changed.