state of the union

dear Mr President,
I would like to think that I can depend on my senses.
I do beleive that I can keep myself from being
confused if I look and listen carefully.

This however seems to be the case,
only when all communication is given
and recieved with 100% clarity.

What is seen and heard may have just as
much to do with what is intended
as with what is expected.

If I am not looking for a pencil on my desk
how can I accurately say that I FOUND it?

Similarly what I listened to,
may not be what I heard.
I only HEARD what
I was listening for!