the goose knows
the magnetic poles, and can fly at night, navigating
through weather and time, rain and wind,
finding the track their parents have shown them only once before.
the goose knows
which grasses are good, which grains help you grow,
how to build nest so that the younglings are safe,
and where to go to let them rise from the softies to respectable waterfowl.
the goose knows
their own from the enemy, how the home must be protected
and how to keep company, negotiating ever the next step,
how flocking together is safer than standing proudly alone.
the goose knows
so many things and ways of life,
and yet, humans say,
that silly goose, meaning parts of humanity.
