BRIDGE

To begin with
The unknowing
Of the not-to-be

-known, the not
-to-be-happy-in
-one’s-unknowing

After which
Would follow
A wanting-to-know,

A sort of rational
Leading-one-toward
The should-not-be

Out to which one
Strides knowingly
Pacing from

Thinking to
Thought, thought
To had, had to

Have not, to will-not
-ever-have-again
And to thereupon

Decide to make
The not-to-be
-known known,

And for the first time
And the last time
To raise oneself

Up before, raise
Oneself up above
All lookers-on

Above all
Unknowingness
To thrill to the

Making of
A knowing sign
Before throwing up

One’s arms and
Plunging backwards
Into knowledge.

MICHAEL KELLEHER