The Empty Bowl

Prospect talks.  
Your brain rehearses the comeback.

That’s interrupting just with the mute button on.

Buddha would set the bowl down,  
not cram it full.

Empty space invites the tea to pour.

Hold the silence.  
Let their words swirl and settle.  

The real concern usually floats up on beat two.

Answer that,  
not the first ripple.

In sales, the pause is louder than any pitch.

Count one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi after they finish.

If you’re counting,  
you’re listening.