Perhaps I Need Convincing

When you say
“no”
it is initially a safe bet that it means –
“perhaps I need convincing”
– although
a second iteration
would construe
a change in emphasis
where simple repetition
takes a frank and fuller
meaning.
By a third utterance
it is already too late
to mend fences.

You state
“maybe”
– meaning I guess
neither yes nor no
an equivalent of the status quo,
yet the implication meant
to give a hint is fraught
with contradiction.
I know it means
“perhaps I need convincing.”

So, having travelled down
this road a ways,
when you cry
yes, yes, yes!
I say
“...perhaps I need convincing.”
© 2 May 2007, I.D. Carswell