one time a lover
sent me an email
with a link to an article
about introversion
it compared extroverts
(that’s me, I’m the extrovert)
to yapping dogs
while introverts
(that was him, he was the introvert)
are deep still calm lakes
full of thoughts
and meaning
and more thoughts, and broad considerations
that are far beyond the reach
and way beyond the depth
of an anxious-to-please poodle
like my flop-eared
dog breath self
apparently
I was offended
as you’d expect
and I put up a fuss
and I laughed at the idea
that quiet equals more
this puppy has recesses
(that’s me, I was the puppy)
of aloneness
under beside along with
the tapping toenails
and molten eyes
it’s not a bark
it’s a howl
nose straight up
footprints in snow
wide and devastating
plume tailed breath
to open into the silence
to pad across the lake ice
and still have fun at parties
with all the other mutts
rolling around in the snow
and anyway I am more
of a cat person
Comments
8 responses to “and anyway”
*Gah* I will stop going on about it if you want, but my GOD you are a captivating writer.
Also, what a load of bollocks about extroverts having no depth. Born of introvert envy no doubt.
MEOW!
Scott thinks the phrase “still waters run deep” is just an overly optimistic assessment of the mute and stupid.
And by mute I/he don’t/doesn’t mean physically disabled, just, you know, not talkative. (Who ARE those people? I don’t think I know any.)
i really like this.
My, the comments took an interesting turn.
As a strong introvert myself, I’ve been known to make an occasional plea for understanding of the way ‘we’ see the world. I wouldn’t venture to generalise about the depth or otherwise of all extroverts, but I’m happy to say that I know many extroverts who are amiable, intelligent, and well informed. In saying that, the introvert type seems better suited to a different and quieter type of communication, and, in my experience, this is not often understood. In a world that seems to favour talking above other forms of communication, it is somewhat galling to be labelled mute and stupid when you prefer to write, take photos, paint, dance, make music, or whatever.
I think that the fact that Chiara can both think and talk is a gift, both within herself and to the people around her.
I don’t really understand the extrovert/introvert thing because I identify with both SO strongly. In my heart, I am a people person, and I love to be with people. Circumstances have kind of made me an introvert, unwilling to be as talkative and needing to be alone.
And I knew a girl who was almost completely mute – I used to have group therapy with her, and she simply couldn’t talk, even when asked for her name. She couldn’t look at anyone either. I felt bad for her and I understood because half the time, thats how I want to hide myself.
Anyway – great writing!
oh, you are awesome. as a fellow extrovert, i love this. also, i need to respond to your last email. i have much to say.
David, I’m not saying that all introverts are actually stupid, just that plenty of quiet stupid people get credit for just being introverts. When really they’re just…stupid.