Chattering birds, not colourful But friendly in their own grey way. They make a lot of noise, Not really saying much But making a big effort To be understood. So willing to help But not to commit, Each proposal embraced By a disclaimer; they mean well, Of course, they do. Their motivation can’t be faulted, But there’s need for a psychic, a mind-reader, For everything’s insinuated, nothing discussed. So many points pronounced, declared, Underlined, exclamated but not communicated, Feeling no empathy, we all put on our coats Against the cold draft of confusion. .