Elephants

"Scientists have long considered the ability to recognize oneself in a mirror to be an index of high cognitive ability...there is every reason to suspect that elephants may be capable of far more complex cognition than is currently understood or documented. ”           
 
I used to know what is at the other end
of the road that goes uphill through
The trees and
then down
into…
something.
 
I used to live there.
 
I want to go back now.
I want to remember what’s down there,
what happens
when you consciously turn left
instead of right,
but I never do,
because in reality
I’ve never been there
and it is the mystery
that nourishes me.
 
I have so many bruises on
so many areas I have never hurt
and I can’t think
of any other explanation.
 
They tell me I have a
“familiar face”
and I smile because
I know.
I’ve been here before.
 
I used to love the full moon,
for I recognized him.
I have a sense for exactly when
He will come out.
I love a crescent moon now,
because she doesn’t have a face
that I so eerily recognize.
 
I used to pity the elephants
for having such a steadfast memory.
I wonder, now, what they must
look back on when they look
at me, wittingly.
 
I know they will bear me in mind
when no one else can.
 
I have a past life
of which only parts
I am destined to
Remember.