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This poem is amazing. Not sure if I caught it right but it seems like you not only captured the magnetism of the good listener but also the pain they feel at being the one everyone opens up to.

It's hard to listen because it requires you to fight down those parts of yourself that want to be bored, or be frustrated, or be known. Or simply to not be burdened, because people drop some heavy weights on your shoulders if you're the dependable one.

Also, I like how the title contextualizes the entire poem. It would lack some of those extra shades of meaning if the title hadn't explicity said "please stop talking." The contrast adds depth.

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James Horton, Ph.D
James Horton, Ph.D

Written by James Horton, Ph.D

Social scientist, world traveler, freelancer. Alaskan, twice. Writes about psychology, well-being, science, tech, and climate change. Ghostwriter on the side.

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