Recitation (December)

Instead of famous words coming forth, memorised for this class occasion, nothing. Silence increases at the edge of the platform. The words won’t come. He reaches for a noun or verb to kick-start the famous words, but it’s only expectant faces and clean windows staring back. This exercise is futile, this summary has vanished, this performance is over. The famous words resume their place in the famous book. He resumes his place in the ignominious row. He starts finding his words, where it’s more than December outside and a compliant future. Rather, a future of his words rising to speak.