Ask me

Ask me

Ask me. About everything that you’ve given up. About the thing the officials turned their heads away from, and what the neighbors are so eager to hear. What former loves never came to know. Ask what lawyers presume everyone already knows, and what teachers in schools often grade without ever reading. Ask me exactly that. What everyone thinks I am hiding. Yes… it’s that very shameful topic you mean. It is that question everyone would ask, yet remains silent, staring at the floor. Come on! At least you, look at me! You’ll see that this question has always been there. It has been standing between us. It brought us together when it was cold, and pushed us apart in the heat. Oh, for heaven’s sake, just ask me already! You are well aware that this question will eventually have to be asked. Don’t look at me from under your brows…

There you are peeking again, sir, hiding behind that hat. Whispering something, I saw you yesterday. Oh, I beg you now – ask me! I’ll tell you everything. You know the answer isn’t scarier than the question. You know that what I’m going to say doesn’t go beyond the frame you’ve set. Honestly, you haven’t even noticed that frame. You probably think it is even smaller, harder, and rustier. Like every other official, you turn away – and don’t know the reason…

Yet you know, somewhere deep beneath that hat, the bow, and all those trinkets you’ve adorned yourself with – you know it all perfectly well, and you would understand it completely. You are only pretending, as you always do. Yes, you! Ask me, and I will gladly give you an answer.