On The Fun of Learning
As I recall it has always been with me.
There must have been
a first time.
I can remember my first teacher,
first beer, first kiss, first bicycle
and yes that first too.
I remember the first car I got;
a 1936 Pontiac 8 in line
with 16 inch wheels someone
had added just
before tire rationing.
I even remember my first job at five;
herding Mr. Hinzes' two milk cows.
I remember my first day in the Marine Corps
mopping tile barrack floors with
a head cold from exposure.
But to save me I cannot remember
the rush of adrenaline
and high of dopamine
from the first time
I learned something.
Felt great, soon addicted
learn, learn
for an energetic high.
The came Bibliomania,
the paraphernalia
of the completely hooked.
Marching to my baccalaureate.
my cap seemed much too small.
For then I knew it all
and the head was full.
Reality in that other world
created a new capacity
and there was more to learn.
Learn ,learn
enjoy more and more.
Passing years at light speed
and one day
it came to pass.
The emptying was faster
than the filling.
The balance had been tipped.
I forgot more each day
than I learned.
So comes the recycling.
Downsizing of the memory banks
allows more room
each day for more learning.
Thank goodness for the joy
of the rush
and the high.
For now each day
is a major learning day.
Lists and reminders,
routines and familiarity,
searches and patience.
Questioning friends
who are also downsizing.
Spend the day trying
to remember my mother's maiden name.
But, oh, the rush and high
when it pops up out of the corner
where it has been hiding.
For those of us who love to learn,
the forgetting future sure is bright.
Doug Minnis
March 27,2009