How much layering can be excised

The day trembles with conjecture
He troubles each casual statement
With a doubt, a mistrust
Of what was said by/to you

He dusts off phrases like artifacts
To be cataloged then placed
Piece by piece into a context
He surmises is not his own

An objective exegesis of subjective
Encounters he continues to pretend
The conversation occurs without
His being a party to what was

As if he was not a part of his world

(July 2011)