I never knew hair like wool could be so straight
Nor blue ‘sees’ could douse burning eyes 

I never knew the distinction between sign language
and talking with one’s hands  
I never knew accepting one’s fate meant taking a stand

I never knew I wore a mask
Until I removed it

I never knew innocence never lasts
Until you proved it

I never knew life was a one-way
I never knew the school principal
and the warden played golf every Sunday

May you never know the things I never knew,
I never knew it was too late for that,
but that, you already knew