Don't be nervous -
I'm not some jumpy tripwire
laid across your path.

I won't dissolve into reproachful tears
at your first critical word.

If I didn't want your honest opinion
I wouldn't have asked for it,
wouldn't be standing here
with a sympathetic arm across your shoulder,

with a sympathetic rolling pin in my hand.

So really,
what do you think?

12/10/2005