schools and scholars,
authority and adults,
all say that it
must be a yes or it
must be a no,
but really—i don’t know
is ok too.

i don’t know if
they would all agree,
i don’t know where
they got their answers
or if they are right,
i don’t know if i’ll ever
give a sure yes or a solid no.

like old philosophers,
all i know is that i
don’t know…nothin,
they at least knew that,
as they always tried
to continue to learn more,
i don’t know if they ever did.

i don’t know,
but i’ll try to find out
and get back to you,
so safe is the space
that exists in not knowing,
unlike the terrible fear
that operates in maybe.

© Conor J. Josten