What I Know

The other day you told me

That I knew everything and

That you loved it.

I think it was because I knew

That Iranians speak Farsi and are

Not considered an Arab People.

I think this came up because

We were discussing the nationality

Of Khalil Gibran. (He was Lebanese in case

You didn’t know. I didn’t.)

Yes I know a lot of things,

But foremost amongst these things

That I know is that despite all of them

I don’t know that much.

Largely I’ve absorbed things

That much cleverer people than I

Have figured out originally, before

The age of google.

Not particularly flattering to myself

I know, but it’s a huge timesaver.

Regardless of my semi smart status

In this simian society I’m glad that you

Like that I know things. I’m glad you

Know things too.

Right now, paddling languidly about

On this freighter off the coast of Milwaukee

Here is what I know.

I know that I like the way your hair smells

And the way your lips taste.

I know that despite this I don’t

Know you that well.

I know that I want to get

To know you better.

I know that this job makes

Having a ground presence with the

People and things that are important

To you harder than it should be.

I know that this sucks.

I know I can take it.

I know I will be home again soon.

I know that no matter how distant,

My friends and family will be

There when I get back.

I know that I will always come back.