Free Radical

I studied special relativity

To learn that I don't understand

While Socrates bemused me

From his curbside corner stand.

I thought I knew about sweet sounds

When I heard melodic compostions

Those musical geniuses in their genius crowns

Who knew they didn't make simple decisions.

A poem once illustrated deafening frowns

Vindicating and belittling

Who knew it was from the poets many rounds

Of nightly prime time beatings.

I thought I knew then things that I don't know now,

And I did and I do, but I don't and I didn't,

The I learned to learn again,

And understood nothing once more.

I saw the test, I made the grade

As that crystal fact began to fade

And my reason slowly did degrade

I wonder when I will get paid.

Stifling in a collared shirt

I wore my best suit

To shovel dirt

It was my professional debut.

I held out my hands to the universe

It asked if I finally understood

If I did I'd finally get that wicked curse

So finish that if you could.

I thought I knew but I couldn't

She didn't speak my language

And I don't think she knew Cantonese

But maybe I knew Mandarin.

And then by that corner light

I saw Socrates in familiar delight

And so I sat on the curbside

And tied my best tie around my head.