Reasons Mine To Keep Poem by Kurt Philip Behm

Do I reach for understanding
or is knowing quite enough

Or deem then that important
if the difference smooth or rough

Do I understand a mountain
or the bear that lives within

Or just know that it belongs there
and the mystery that it brings

Do I understand the Ocean
or the waves that break so high

Or just hear its thunder crashing
and not need to wonder why

Do I understand what time is
its symbols and what they mean

Or understand a life laid down
in battles unforeseen

Do I understand a memory
or just smile whenever it calls

Or understand tomorrow
when today my life befalls

Do I understand the anger
or just control it when it barks

Or understand the danger
sometimes lurking in the dark

Do I understand the words I write
when the Muse shakes me from my sleep

Or understand the excuses loaned
—the reasons mine to keep

(Villanova Pennsylvania: June,2016)