something real to work with
he said, the voice is distinct and consistent
but the thinking process and perspective
is strange and off-putting
and none of this shit comes to any
kind of satisfying resolution
by the end I simply wasn’t sold
she said, I guess you have to be okay
with your thoughts being called weird
I mean, in certain ways, the word strange
is actually a compliment — you know,
synonyms for off-putting include
unsettling and repulsive — I suppose
there is some oomph in that, right?
no, not really, he said
I mean, think about it, you need a certain force
to compel things away from you —
but I guess that’s not what it’s about here…
anyway, she said,
if you’re going to say something, take the time
to articulate actual feedback —
don’t call something strange or off-putting
and just leave it at that…
a person can’t do anything with that
we are all living in times that are
strange and unsettling — no one
is operating under optimal conditions
all our stories are by nature fucked up, she said
all our perspectives, if we’re being honest,
are going to sound a little twisted
and let’s face it, we are in the business
of distorting realities…it is to be expected
come on, you can do better than that
pick me apart with a little more depth
and specificity — give me something tangible
to work with, otherwise just say no
and move on…
don’t stab me in the side and act like
saying anything is like doing me a favor
he…
