we talk of poetry   he has much to say about poetry

we talk of gardening and 

upstate new york   he has much to say

about gardening and upstate new york

we talk of buddhism

he has much to say about buddhism   and she is quiet

we talk of fasting   he has much to say about fasting

he is for it  

has even thought of doing it

there is much to say   he is saying it   and she is quiet

though i maintain eye contact

and maintain interest in his conversation

i am compelled to glance her way   and she at me  

we are having our own conversation