Shrinking (Revised)

Why does a conversational ploy that charms

one colleague fall flat on its face for others?

When I enact a little tragi-comedy for Hanlie 

she embroiders the tales I tell, brings out the

hidden glitter in every situation and adds joy

by weaving her wan spell –

but when I share the same anecdote with

other colleagues my story loses its appeal,

I feel guilt and fatigue, and the story shrivels

up and dies; a more robust, feisty colleague

simply kills the story by pulling down corners

of her mouth –

thus, with Hanlie on leave, I already know

why life at work keeps shrinking

[ORIGINAL:]

Why is it that a conversation ploy that works like

a charm with one colleague, falls flat on its face

when tried on others? When I enact a little tragi-

comedy for Hanlie, she embroiders the tales I tell,

brings out the hidden glitter in every situation and

adds joy by weaving her own spell - but when I

share the same anecdote with other colleagues

my stories suddenly lose their appeal, I feel guilt

and fatigue, sorry for taking up their time and the

story simply shrivels up and die; a more robust,

feisty colleague simply kills a story betimes by

pulling down the corners of her mouth at my

approach - with Hanlie on leave, life keeps

shrinking