MY LIPS NEVER MOVE
The dark dummy stands
on my left shoulder,
the light dummy stands
on my right shoulder,
between the two I am
the ventriloquist for both.
“You’re not doing a good enough job.”
“Yes, I am. I’m doing this job
better than anyone else can.”
“Nobody cares what you’re doing or feeling.”
“People do care about me
and what’s going on.”
“You don’t make a difference
in anyone’s life.”
“Yes, I do. People appreciate
that I care about them
and let them know it.”
I am the consummate ventriloquist;
my lips never move.