in the window

once i met a man. all he could say was in the window. if you asked the time he replied in the window. if you commented on the weather, or asked how he felt, in the window. i really don't know what was happening in his mind or how confused he truly was, it was hard to gauge. he seemed to have no frustration when in the window tumbled out. he didn't cry, or kick a table leg.


i would have.
i think.

but once in the 4 months i knew him, and i tried to talk to him every day, i held his hands and asked him, what are these?
and he suddenly smiled, shook, trembling, he sang, in a voice strong
i know! i know! and the room went hush
those are my dogs!
great, i said. and smiling beaming ear to ear he held up his dogs for us all to see.