! ! Ignorance Poem by Michael Shepherd

Alas, no clear account can I relate
(as one who knows too well, that sorry state):
for after all, to know one’s ignorance
would be a wisdom cosmic in its stance;

and so, wise men have brought their focussed minds
to plumb its nature, to aid human kind:
does it describe that ‘nescience’ which stays
as innocent as babe, of error’s ways?

Or do we sense instinctively, all truth,
but overlay it with acquired untruth?
And if so, is the fault, (dear Brutus) , ours?
or is it universal as the stars?

‘Innocence’ as plea, Hindus refuse:
we’re Brahman, that knows all – so, no excuse!