ACADEMIA

sometimes in the presence of those more educated than i i develop reservations regarding my intelligence. i say belgium when i know its mexico and wink stupidly to suggest o hell what does it matter? sometimes it goes well, sometimes it does not. i find this tendency unfortunate because i do not think i am any less endowed in brain substance or literary skills than the next kindly scholar but sometimes i feel that with no degree i have no grounds. i carry no titles, just books. i do not think im genius, but i have good ideas sometimes. it is unfortunate because despite my never having willfully entered it i love academia and think kindly towards those who aspire for such learning. i love that academia does not judge, takes all who seek it, does not care what clothes one wears and strives only to educate and enhance the minds of those who will work for it. sometimes i walk around campuses and sit on benches contemplating things with a freud like demeanor. i muse "this could be mine." then i remember its not, at least not today, and kindly go on my way until the next time the origin of chocolate comes up in conversation while in the presence of those more educated than i and i develop reservations regarding my intelligence.