Never Assume The Answer Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Never assume the answer,
Without asking the question.

It takes the wanting to understand.
With an interest wished.
Participating in active listening,
Done to respond...
Begins effective communication.
And comprehension connected to it.

Never assume the answer,
Without asking the question.

So many believe they know someone else.
Based upon gossip and comments made,
Heard to express...
By those claiming to have knowledge.
But too embarrass to admit,
An association with reality they have little...
Or none of it.

And some will sit in another's environment,
Observing to confirm a validation done...
By others using perceptions,
And they too have asked no questions...
Before judgements are passed,
To hear them come.

Never assume the answer,
Without asking the question.

'So...
I've been told you enjoy reading.'

~Not really.
I write more that I read.
I don't find time to read.
As much as I find time to write.~

'Oh.
So...
Tell me more about yourself.'

~What would you like to know? ~

'What would you suggest? '

~Asking the questions.
And not assume you know the answers.
I have no questions to ask of myself.
Unless you convince me,
I should develop more interest.~