• Hearing, Listening, Understanding

    “I heard what you said”
    That’s what you told me
    True as that may be
    You never actually listened
    To a single breath that left my mouth
    As it was merely a sigh
    Nothing to notice
    Never taking the time to pay attention
    To anything that I tried to point out

    No matter how loud or soft
    Sure you heard the sound
    And told me to lower it
    Down, down, and further down
    Even as a mouse roars
    And a tiger meows

    Nothing from my mouth
    Shall catch your attention enough
    As the waves reach your ears
    But all that’s heard is mumbled blabber
    Gibberish at best

    But you don’t understand a single portion
    Of the mass speech I’ve delivered
    From the moment of my birth
    To my dying gasps
    All that has been said
    Has been spoken in vain

    As you never really understood
    Or even listened
    Merely heard the sounds of my voice
    Pestering buzz within your mind
    And you ignore it
    Let it by
    Until it’s gone
    Just passes by

    And, then,
    Finally, you begin to realize
    And your eyes open wide
    And your windows mind opens
    Light of comprehension shining
    The doors of the heart thrown wide
    The regret comes washing out

    Hearing is not the same as listening
    Nor understanding
    Though closely related,
    Not at all the same
    So, sure, you heard what I tried to say
    But can you still remember it?
    When you tried to put me on mute
    And never let it sink in
    Never actually listening
    And shall never understand my true meaning