©2021 Michael Raven

i used to know everything
didn't matter what
I knew it
or
could suss it out
or
bullshit my way through

i had opinions on everything
because, after all
i knew everything

then:
i read the tale of the professor
discussing enlightenment with
a zen master, who
poured a cup of tea
until it overflowed

"stop," cried the professor
"no more will go in"

"like this cup," the master said.
"you are full of your own
opinions and speculations.
how can I show you zen
unless you
first empty your cup?"

it was that moment
i awoke to the value
of knowing nothing
and forgetting all i
thought i knew