In some cases, the letter won’t translate.

Specified language is always a little tricky,

not like asking

for directions to the swimming pool,

or how much for the loaf of bread

behind the counter.

 

You craft an art-form of assumptions.

Cut loose the odd words,

ones which clearly don’t fit

in the rigid confines of business,

ones surely not meant.

Leave a framework of mundane.

 

Puzzle a meaning from the scraps,

a rhythm for the found poem

butchered out of miscommunication.

 

Send a response in English,

cringe a little for the recipient,

know they will likely do as you

and turn to an app,

a browser tab,

punch in the words,

frown at the nonsense.