THE NEW NORMAL
Researchers testing memory
in plants dropped them,
without harm, from a height.
After a time the leaves ceased
to flinch, somehow knowing
the landing would be gentle.
Ah ha!
said the one who first
posed the question,
It is learning to remember!
But another, upon review, said,
Oh no! It is learning to forget!
I wonder at this opposition—
remembering to wash my hands
upon entering the house,
and forgetting when I did not.