Listening

I listen to people chatter

and it seems important:

money, insurance, current events.

Sometimes, I realize I’ve only heard

about a third of what they’re saying

as I count how many steps it would take

to get to the river, how many flower petals

are in the meadow, how many stars

can I find to form the face of my love.

I think about star charts and maps

and how arbitrary it is where we land

versus where we plan on going.

I think about patterns of behavior,

abuse, as well as the way out,

how maybe I have numb places

that can’t be reached and how wonderful

it would be to find I’m wrong

with the right touch.

I think when people talk, it is mostly to

themselves and that’s a great way to learn

so I should try to be a better listener.