Attentional Disengagement (A Failed Experiment in 13 x 13)
I want to know less, not more, for I am sore ‘cumbered
With details, saddled with knowledge, burdened with insights,
All clamoring for primacy in the finite space
That is my brain. So, starting today, right now, I spurn
Novel facts and block fresh ideas from mental grip,
Refusing entry to all incoming novelty,
However fascinating or even important.
From this day, sequestration is my natural state.
From here on, I aspire to absorb the world as pure
Sensation, uncomplicated by words or by the
Interpretative intrusions of other people
Whose inevitable and superfluous details
Only serve to cloud appreciation and muck up
Truth.
But now, from the next table, I hear this: “Did you see
That story about new images received from the
James Webb Telescope?” I look over and yes, she is
Addressing me. “Oh, um no, I don’t know about that.”
“Check this out – amazing!” Automatically, I look
And reply, “Wow, that’s very cool ... so clear and detailed,”
Inviting dialogue, in spite of myself (skating).
But I wish for this conversation to continue,
Not only because of the subject but because of
She who offers it (skidding). My mission, I conclude,
Will have to wait. This disengagement work in progress
Will remain on hold for now, pending further research
And shared insights (tumbling) of the interactive kind.