plato was right about one thing

in my young age I am wise.
I know my ups from downs
the car is parked outside.
the trees drop their leaves for rejuvenation.
and you know what?
I don’t know shit.

I can breathe clearly
and extrapolate on the intricacies of
the politics of religion in the middle east.
and then I sit by the side of the road
waiting
for I can’t change a fucking tire.

I can mix cookie batter in mere minutes
and fry tofu like a master.
I can pretend to be healthy and smart about nutrition
but can I lift my knees to my chest
just a few simple times
to get a proper workout? no.

I can compose prose
I can rhyme show rhythm and carry a tune.
I can paint and draw and demonstrate some basic level
of colour coordination.
can I explain how to use a simple cash register?
no fucking way.

I love intelligence
and intellect
I love the belief in the unknown’s future discovery.
I love complicated musical patterns and awareness of
the numbers of pi past 3.14.
do I know how to love another human?
shit no.

in my young age I am wise.
but wisdom shows me my faults
just as
thankfully
it is the illumination cast on my strengths
I use for guidance.