critical gestures

To Be Liked By You Would Be A Calamity

"Attack is more piquant than concord," but when

You tell me frankly you would like to feel

My flesh beneath your feet,

I'm all abroad; I can put my weapon up, and

Bow you out.

Gesticulation--it is half the language,

Let unsheathed gesticulation be the steel

Your courtesy must meet,

Since in your hearing words are mute, which

To my senses

Are a shout.

Marianne Moore