Another valentine's day poem, this time from 2002.

What I don't need to know.

I don't know what was in that cake.
I don't know how long it took to make.
I don't know in which cupboard the bowls go.
I don't know my arse from my elbow, no.

I don't know the way to San Jose.
I don't know Mortdecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea.
I don't know the way to apply a mudpack.
I don't know Jack.

I don't know my onions.
I don't know yours.
I'm presuming here you know your onions.
Apparently they're a thing to know.

I don't know everything you love.
I don't know all your tastes
In music, literature, fashion.
But I want to know them.
To be hit with collateral passion.

I don't know what your friend did,
Today at work.
But I'll listen, and either agree with her view,
And say she's totally right;
Or say she's a jerk,
And wonder how you can stand to put up with her.
Whatever you want or need me to say.

But I don't know what to say
When you ask if you've put on weight.
Would anyone?
Is there even an answer?

(Which is worse? An answer,
Without a question?
Or a question,
Without an answer?
Answer that.
If you can.)

I don't know where your mental lake is.
I just hope I'm sometimes invited,
To sit and pass the daydream seconds.
And watch the mental birds swoop,
And mental flowers bloom,
And mental Sun set.

I don't know how you smile when
You think of me when
I'm not around.

I don't know if this dress is better than the last eight you tried.
I know that you could wear nothing and your smile,
And be the Best Dressed Woman of the Year.
In all the magazines,
On all the talk shows.
Your own line of nothings and smiles in Saks of Fifth Avenue.
Etcetera.
I know we're going to be late now though,
So I don't suggest the nothing and a smile.
Because I know what will happen.

I know that dress is the one.
Yes.
No.
I don't know which shoes.

Hair up or hair down?
Take the stairs or wait for the lift?
Walk or get a taxi?
Red or white?
Coffee or tea?
I can guess, but
I don't know if I'd be right.

But now as we fall asleep,
I can whisper what I know.

I know I love you.
And I know you know I love you.
And knowing that is the only knowledge I need.

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