The barber and priest hear and know

The cabbie hears and sees – she knows.

The policeman picks up the pieces,

He knows, all too well he knows.

 

The tax inspector and debt collector.

They know.

The Childline worker listens and knows

The social worker knows and acts

The journalist knows the facts

he claims. Hmmm.

Fellow-prisoners know, but not mates

The barmaid knows, but not dates.

They're soaked in the walls of houses,

but kept from the ears of spouses.

 

GPs know and care

Sex workers hear their fair share

Solicitors, health visitors too,

Tax planners know a few.

Funeral directors, and psychologists,

They know, as do pathologists.

The neighbours know of course

Boy oh boy, do they think they know.

Confidants hear a great deal

Always wondering whether it’s real.

But there is only one who knows them all.

I hope.