In an effort to get people to look
Into each other's eyes more,
And also to appease the mutes,
The government has decided
To allot each person exactly one hundred
And sixty-seven words, per day.

When the phone rings, I put it to my ear
Without saying hello. In the restaurant
I point at a chicken noodle soup.
I am adjusting well to the new way.

Late at night, I call my long distance lover,
Proudly say I only used fifty-nine today.
I saved the rest for you.

When she doesn't respond,
I know she's used up all her words,
So I slowly whisper I Love You
Thirty-two and a third times.
After that, we just sit on the line
And listen to each other breathe.

-Jeffrey McDaniel