Painful knowledge

You harbour painful knowledge
you cannot impart to anyone.
I see it, deeply hidden
in the darkness of your eyes
especially when you laugh.

With this kind of knowing
there can be no words.
Who could pronounce them
and not be overwhelmed?

But who needs words?
While you sleep, I read
your skin, like braille.
Every cell gives off the secret
that you cannot speak.

Then I wonder, shall I tell you,
do you realize, all you know
is engraved very deep
on every part of your body?

Dennis List