It's Still Life

 
A Few Words About Paolo

And so he keeps it brief,
“Ciao, are you ready?”
His rhythmic voice
is a bouncing ball —
fills the airy momentary gaps
with his memorable smile.
But he’s working; the chatter
is part of the parcel.
It’s a living, like acting,
role-play,
and he’s proud of his
centre-of-attention pedestal,
like a vestal virgin
who’s really,
really experienced.
And then he walks away,
taking the conversation
with him.

written for Not A Literary Journal: Check Please. Vintage image – getty images: CC00