To-Whoo Knows Best?

Sonnet © 2020 Matthew de Lacey Davidson

for Shayna

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dariosanches/3000275207, Photo uploaded from Wikipedia (PD): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Athene_cuniculariaa.jpg

Of all the attitudes that I resent
are those of animals professing to
be wise. Perhaps they’re called a parliament
for just that reason? Nonetheless, the zoo
where we are watching wisdom (tried and true),
a certain sentiment I can’t resist
admiring, finally comes in to view.
With fluffy, feathered face, a pragmatist
might think an ornery somnambulist
incapable of contemplation when
thoughts are used to give one’s neck a twist.
And this somehow shows great acumen?
But maybe that’s where wisdom lies:
to know enough to sleep, relax, and close one’s eyes.