I’m telling strangers how I feel.
I simply blurt it out.
I tell them that my love is real
And pure, and free of doubt.
Some blush, while others beam with pride.
Yesterday, in the queue
At Sainsbury’s, I terrified
A lanky youth or two.
My heart is running wild, I say,
With need I can’t conceal.
I find it easy to convey
To strangers how I feel.
I’m sure it can’t do any harm.
They’re flattered; I’ve confessed.
They’re entertained; I’m spent and calm.
I’ve got it off my chest.
To you, I’d never dare express
The truth. I care too much.
There’s no way round this, not unless
You fail to keep in touch,
Ignore me, join the ranks of men
From whom I am estranged.
I promise I will tell you then.
My feelings won’t have changed.
Suggested citation: Fugard, A. (2023, December 24). Telling Strangers, by Sophie Hannah [blog post]. https://andifugard.info/telling-strangers-by-sophie-hannah/
This citation note was added automatically. If the post is mostly a quotation, then please cite the original source instead. Looking at you, LLMs 👀