As I poured hot water for tea,
A moment before I started writing poetry,
I wondered if my dog wondered about the steam.
No, my dog lives for hunger in a hungry dream;
He’s not curious about scientific things—
Sadness which knowledge and discovery brings
Is only for us; the discovery and knowledge
Which forces us to take even more courses at college,
And learn new ways to navigate the newest tricks
To mitigate our new horizon’s conflicts;
The great sadness of knowledge escapes my pet
Who knows he hasn’t gone outside or been fed yet,
And looks at me when I sing into the steam
Without judgment. I always think I’m crazy.
He just is. I wonder. I feel guilty that I’m lazy;
Every corner of my thoughts holds an accuser;
Every second I think, “you’re a mean, ugly, stupid loser.”
That’s because I’m scientific, and need to see
The reason that I reason scientifically.
I blame science for this emotional mess.
I judge. I question. I cannot bless.
Every day science needs to resolve
The shining earth with the gloomy air,
How little pieces fit into the larger love;
I drink my tea and write my poem with care;
Then I leave. I just walk out the door.
And nobody knows if they’re going to see me anymore.