Good manners can hide
an impressive amount of hostility.
Front Row Composure watches two people who understand each other well enough to know exactly what is happening beneath a perfectly civil conversation. Every word, gesture and reaction is carefully managed, particularly with other people watching. Neither loses control. That doesn’t mean either of them is being honest.
You take your seat like it’s nothing
Smooth expression, well rehearsed
Every gesture calibrated
Say just enough, imply the worst
You tilt your head when you’re listening
Like you’re generous with space
But you’re scanning for advantage
While you’re smiling at my face
We both understand the setting
No one says it out loud
You play polite perfection
I don’t play to the crowd
Front Front row composure
Hands folded tight
Measured exposure
Everything tight
No sudden movements
No wasted breath
You watch the reaction
I watch what’s left
You adjust the conversation
Shift the focus when it suits
Drop a detail like it’s nothing
Keep the balance slightly loose
You call it being careful
I call it being known
You don’t like loose endings
You prefer them overthrown
We don’t need confession
We don’t need proof
You manage perception
I manage the truth
Front row composure
Hands folded tight
Measured exposure
Everything tight
No sudden movements
No wasted breath
You watch the reaction
I watch what’s left
You lean in closer
Lower your tone
Ask if I noticed
How much you’ve grown
I say I’ve noticed
That’s technically true
Growth looks different
Depending on who
Front row composure
Hands folded tight
Measured exposure
Everything tight
No sudden movements
No wasted breath
You watch the reaction
I watch what’s left