what makes people tick

a casual conversation
attempting some connection
resorts to the routine repertoire
of expected questions.

"psychology," i reply.
"i love studying
what makes people tick".
yet, my disclaimers
prove useless
to those nervous ears.

"Oh- "
"Are you sure?"
"You're going to graduate school, then,
of course."
"Can you tell me what I'm thinking?"
"Aha! You're psychoanalyzing me now, aren't you!"
And a jab at Freud. Piaget. Adler. here and there.

i smile, and thank them
for their kind words and
compliments. content. amused. delighted.
as one who knows the answer to a
cleverly kept riddle.

(they did not know what they were getting into.
and the best part is, neither did i.)