Saw Said

Not the same as hearsay, but
Epistemically how
Salient is the difference?

Almost everything you know,
Or think you know, that you’ve learned
In the decades since childhood,

You’ve read, even if you’re not
Much of an avid reader.
You wander through a forest

Of statements and assertions
Thinking the dark woods of tales
Were long ago cleared. Rustling

Claims scamper through the branches,
But somehow you’re unafraid.