I once would say, with eager pride,
"I now know this," with truth as guide.
But then I learned, with quiet grace,
To keep those words from taking place.

For when I know, I need not shout,
Or speak aloud, or cast it out.
The knowing stays, just soft, just still,
No need to flaunt, no need to fill.

So now I know, and yet refrain,
From saying “I know” in vain.
And knowing this, I now can say,
I know not to say “I know” today.

For wisdom comes, not in the voice,
But in the silence, in the choice—
To simply know, and let it be,
No need for words to set it free.

And so it goes, in quiet flow,
I now know more than I did know.
But saying it? I’ll let it slide,
For knowing’s peace is found inside.