Of all forms of communication, I sense that the non-verbal kind is the most telling. Whether it be body language or reading the signs of a person’s character or reputation, the clues are often difficult to ignore. I decided to take the prompt, ‘Reading Fiction’ in a direction away from words.

It’s not in the words I hear
It’s not in the tone I sense
Neither do I trust a forked tongue
…and yet
there’s force in those words
…but
they lack power and truth
I read the eyes that refuse to meet mine
I read insincerity bathed in deception

I read habits and reputation 

It’s not in the words I hear
(they’re pure fiction)
and I can read the signs loud and clear

©Vivian Zems

Poets United – Reading  Fiction