Clutch Tightly Your Compliments

Clutch tightly your compliments
more firmly than your hand in mine;
don’t dilute your words,
the difference is timing
what it is you’ve left unsaid.

Resolve to your closet when
your ears’ have had enough;
don’t take lightly their tone,
take lightly their words in the rough,
their minds will soon be dead,
half-alive, but never dread,
your dreams bid new hope in your bed.

(Inspired by Mark Bullock)