I keep reworking it. Help me....

      Everyone Has Something to Say
 
Easy to recall verbal fires between parents,
their chatter about building a neighborly fence,
my sister’s constant coughing.
 
At work, a woman shares a story of abuse;
after school, my son and his buddy
exchange delights and stings from a normal day.
 
Tonight, our visiting granddaughter, aimless
in her journey, stews about a squeaky mouse—
such careful listening.
 
I hear the movements in our bed.
Untranslatable since the language
is not plain.
 
God whispers.
I get still and wait.
Sometimes I listen. Maybe.

Pat,

Because of the punctuation, I tried to connect the first S.  The parents "discussed" three items.  I don't see how the sister enters that fray.

I am not sure how "listening" sneaks into a "talking" poem.  It ends with "listening" as well.

Not sure how to process the "something to say" aspect of S4

Looking forward to your reply

Todd

I whacked it and changed the title:  

               Listening Is an Art
 
Tonight, our visiting granddaughter, aimless
in her journey, stews about a squeaky mouse—
such careful listening.
 
God whispers.
I get still and wait.
Sometimes. Maybe.

Pat

I think there is much charm in the first poem:  "Everyone Has Something to Say" (Love that title).

I think adjusting the "Speakers" in the poem from loudest to softest/smallest to Greatest will be powerful.  The details from your life are what make poetry alive.  I just would leave the "listening" to the reader (hopefully, we will know that the persona listens too/first).

Todd

It may take a week or a year to get this poem where I'm happy.  
Appreciating your help and your hanging in there....
Pat