[I Am Told You Speak My Language]

Straighten your face. Stand still.

You will not smile or blink your eyes.

These questions I will ask, you you

Will not answer. I will answer.

You are not repeat not to speak.

I have never seen you before but

I know you because I know your kind.

Stand still. You are forbidden to speak.

Have a cigarette. Don’t move.

Stop that. Stand still. No tears here.

What are you frightened for? I’m just

Another man. Attention. Stand straight.

Brothers and sisters, have you some?

Your lips wherever they come from must

Not move or quiver a fraction. Silence.

You realise you are keeping me late.

I am told you speak my language although

We are not from the same place. Stop

Making your hands to fists. Step

A pace forward and don’t speak.

How did you get yourself into this

Position? Be a man, my boy,

Your mother maybe said. You realise

I am your friend maybe the best

One you will meet. Stand up straight.