It is necessary to separate

from this week in April, 1999  (I was 54)

It is necessary to separate

knowing and being 

to perceive the balance

existent within their wisdoms.

Knowing is the ability

to take enough time

to see expressionist silhouettes

of leaf and branch upon cloud lit sky

after sunset on a June night,

insistent silhouettes

concocted of beasts and myths

of our own conception.

Knowing is the ability to take time to see               

the interaction of silhouette and thought

acknowledged as reality

in the environment of now.

To be is to assume position

among the interacting silhouettes

in the reality of the illusion

of the moment that is now.

It is necessary to separate

moon from cloud, beast from tree

necessary to realize                                 

where we stand is what we see.

It helps to take the kinks out

come to accept the effect of dents

check for leaks

read the charts and move on.

Reflections off a bathroom mirror

can blind the young.

And only refractions of life

Illuminate the eyes of the old.

A new mind needs milestones,

reminders of where it’s been

on a geography to where it’s going.

Later we are satisfied to know

we are as good as there.

I’m not concerned that yesterday

be remembered tomorrow

as it is remembered today.

I am concerned

about our perceptive abilities

to support our testimony

that yesterday ever existed at all.