the shut down

the double edged sword
flailed by all
whenever a social connection is
begun
revealing its apical paradox
like a mangy rabid dog who will also
cuddle on a saturday afternoon next to your leg
(almost purring like a cat)
while you read your favorite book in peace---
the very fact that when two people meet
all cards are off the table &
yet because this new conversation is taking place
amidst the billion that encircle,
the naïve can be pulled into a fantasy that
this is not so---
however,
the fact remains that this person across the café table
or sitting on that bar stool next to you
holds within them a trunk full of experiences---
some that would make anyone jealous
rife with riveting moments &
some that would terrify even the most indomitably fearless
among us.

and even if you make it across the moat
the wall round the innermost parts of this new person
may be unclimbable,
they may be slick with oil &
there may be buckets of scalding water, hot pitch, the
fat of animals & quick lime
all positioned along the uppermost part of the wall
ready to be dropped on the face of anyone attempting
to get inside.

unfortunately,
for the naïve who think that everyone should be open
to new social connections, new friendships,
new relationships & new lovers,
a rude awakening awaits
when one comes face to face with someone who is
shut
down.