We are dependent on our ears to hear;
As one of the five senses, it’s a gift.
A most essential facet, that is clear;
In giving every life form needed lift.
But human life is one of constant sound,
And much of that does not endanger life,
At least, not imminently, so we have found
That we can shut out sounds which then are rife.
But then we find that hearing can be used
To an advantage, where we aptly choose
What we will hear, the risk being accused
Of this—not listening—a trait that woos.
We get so used to “shutting out” what’s said
May not be heard at all, or, even worse,
Be dangerously misinterpreted,
No matter how it sounded, or how terse.
For instance, let’s say someone shouts “Look out!”
Most people simply look around, or up
It seems they first must see what it’s about;
To see what’s in the cup before a sup!
The art of listening, it does appear,
Is said to have but one essential part—
It is this factor, you must want to hear;
A fact we should have known from the start!
© Richard Williams