Empiric

He doesn't know how to respond.
He's nervous.
"Don't be so epic.
Don't get so overemotional!"
He asserts this at me.

Epic - my father - epic proportions.
This man, his physical opposite:
       Slight.
       Gesticulating.
My father did not need frantic gestures;
One swipe sent small children reeling.
The strange sensation of pain
And levitation -
Love displaced.

"Can't you just be rational?"
Effusive, with distaste.
I have nothing to respond.

Neither my father, nor this man
Know love or transposition.

Rationed between them.
Miss Placed.