The Reasons Mine To Keep

Do I grasp for understanding,
—or is knowing quite enough

Or deem then that important,
—if the difference smooth or rough

Do I understand a mountain,
—or the bear that lives within

Or just know that they belong there,
—and the mystery that it brings

Do I understand the Ocean,
—or the waves that break so high

Or just hear their thunder crashing,
—and not need to wonder why

Do I understand what time is,
—or just its symbols and what they mean

Or understand a life laid down in battle,
—for those unseen

Do I understand a memory,
—or just smile whenever it calls

Or understand tomorrow,
—when today my life befalls

Do I understand the anger,
—or just control it when it barks

Or understand the danger,
—sometimes lurking in the dark

Do I understand the words I write,
—when the Muse shakes me from my sleep

Or understand the excuses loaned,
—with the reasons mine to keep

(Villanova Pennsylvania: June, 2016)