Why Is 'That' Important? Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I hear clearly what you are saying,
About what 'he' is not.
To defend what 'she' is...
Since you flatter her a lot.
With a respect that appears.

But...
Listen to me closely.
What I have not heard you say,
Is what you specifically know about 'him'...
You had not heard from 'her'.
When did you last see him?
Or confirm with a speaking,
Directly in conversation with him to begin?

'Well...
I really don't know that much about her.
But what she says.
And 'him'?
I have not seen or spoken to him,
At all.
I wouldn't know him,
If I saw his picture on a Post Office wall.

I see.
And she,
You say...
Is reliable and your closest 'friend'?

'Of course.
We've known 'of' each other for years.'

I see.
Again...
With a hearing what you say clearly,
About what 'he' is not.
To defend what 'she' is...
Since you flatter her a lot.
With such 'esteem' it appears.
But what I have not heard you say,
Is what you specifically know about 'him'?

'Why is 'that' important?
I wouldn't know him if he was staring me in the face.
Just the way you are doing to me right now.'