The Art of Conversation and How to Practise It

An expert speaks!

I had these words I wished to share with you,
But felt too shy to utter them aloud;
Yet staying silent I would surely rue—
This situation must be changed, I vowed.
I held the conversation in my mind
In countless forms, with time reworked the script,
Rehearsed the piece until I knew my lines
And, hopefully, could all of yours predict.
If this, then that, or else another track—
Each opened up to further turns of phrase.
Anxiety no longer held me back;
This branching map would help us find our way!
Alas, your pretty smile did strike me dumb;
My lips could only yield a feeble
                                                         “Um…”