I am listening

very closely to you,

just as the Buddhists would

recommend,

keeping attention

on your voice, 

how it sounds,

and the content of your words,

trying my best to

ignore my thoughts

that keep rudely interrupting,

how your hair

pinned like that

resembles Katharine Hepburn

in The African Queen

which is based upon 

a 1935 book by

C.S. Forester

which I wonder if you knew

or would be impressed to know

that I know,

but I don't mention,

as it has nothing

to do with your new job.

Instead I return to

your voice,

each word

leaving the harbour

of your mouth 

a little ship

delivering the good news,

down the dark 

meandering currents

of my primitive attention.