Upon further reflection, I think that I should like
nothing more than to become what was once known
as a simpleton -- that shapeless, shiftless,
handed down by one kind family member
or another, concerned, naturally, for his wellbeing --
yard wildly overgrown, weeds and wildflowers
interchangeable, shuffling out to the mailbox
in bathrobe and stocking cap, humming something
nondescript and long since out of fashion,
speaking to the neighborhood cats
as old friends and familiars. I would endure
the unintentionally cruel laughter of children,
and the exasperated sighs of adults with
the patience normally reserved for fools and saints.
Never again would I be burdened by others
asking my opinion or insight on any given thing.
I would eat my simple meals and enjoy my
simple pleasures, all based around the simplest
routine; and should I dare to call you friend
or ask your honest advice, you would understand
it to be meant with no ulterior motive
or guile. I would be too simple to explain
my thoughts beyond a nod or shrug of affirmation.
But you, by far the wiser, would have
learned to listen well.
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