When the answer is no

How often do we say
that another has not
answered us
when in fact they have . . .
and the answer is no

No disguised as . . .
silence . . .
non-responsiveness . . .
blame or blame shifting
attack and counter-attack
gossiping about
rather than
talking to . . .

How I have always
envied the inhabitants
of Star Trek –
real only in the imagining
of Gene Rodenberry –
with their universal translator

I need a universal translator
that can hear your intent . . .
interpret your silence . . .
navigate your responsive
non-response . . .

I need a universal translator
so that when you tell me no
in a language I do not
understand
I will understand
finally – at last –
that your answer is no
and I will leave you
alone