Steady (at least for the time being)

Oh certainly, it’s paradoxical.
Some time ago these same words-
(with almost identical phrasing)
were spoken to you in the heat of July.
Pausing: waiting for your response.
Dignity is the first to fall victim.
A slight nod of the head, a half-smile:
(divided:a 60/40 split of sincerity and apathy.)
I say it to you now and you digest every syllable:
I watch it hit your ear drum and pulse through your veins.