Stages
Man passes through three
Stages, ages, phases
Know nothing, know everything, know nothing
Hopefully they pass through all three
Some get stuck at the first
Oblivious to what’s happening
Food, clothes, work and home
All appear by magic and are
Maintained by an invisible hand
Some make it to the second
Where they are the fount of all knowledge
Even when sat with others (usually women)
Who know more
This is expected at seventeen but
Should not be admired in pensioners
Who are running a country
The third is harder to find as
It’s hard fought for
But know that you can rest
In the unknowing
Thoughts
Not a lot to say about this poem so here is a picture of a hippo waiting for lunch.
© John Monaghan 2026. All Rights Reserved
