Phyllis Sladek

sladek@umail.ucsb.edu

What You Know

Who first discovered the equations of flight?

Who once saw a bird, and cast off dreams of wings with wax

Soaring against a mythical sky,

Took up sticks to draw in dust?

Configurations of number and line with no apparent application.

Who first prepared the evening meal

Over ember that became fire?

Hands slap, fold, turn, stir -

For tortilla, chapatti, rice –

Must it all be done again?

Who first spoke a word of truth?

Not what we think should be,

Nor what we so desperately want

If only he’d pull us deep in his arms,

His eyes, his memory –

Or will he forget, like all the rest?

Once – when was it?

Is it already lost?

Was anyone present to hear?

So again – must it be spoken?

Again.

Again.

Who will it be, this next time, then?

Will it be, perhaps,

You?