House of Learning

Take your mind
               to another man's mind
Knock softly,
                and enter with caution.
Believe that what he says
               is important
                                because it is important to him.
Understand
               how much more life has been lived
                                than your own.
Be grateful
                that he is willing
                                  to share that life
With your undeveloped soul.
Walk with gentle tread
                 when in another man's head.


Shadow Ocean
2004