This is the power
of silence
it makes the other party
stall, guess, speculate, fidget
the longer
the more effective-

he's left dangling
as he waits and waits
at his watch he looks
and is close to the expletive

he begins to doubt himself
unsure whether to stay
or move away-
' Will some words
  this bloke say,?'

  Silence-
the punishment
the torture
the despair
( 'This guy
   is a tough chestnut!')

   An hour goes by
   '  I give up-
      on account
      of him
      I'll not die!'

    complete silence
    but for the caw
    of a crow which flies by......