I attended a banquet for a close relative.

The emcee belabored the homily,

Going on and on about so much kindness.

My children and I sat in stunned silence,

Wondering if we'd come to the right hall.

But as our relative's name was called,

And the audience duly applauded,

I thought of Lao Tzu's simple statement:

"Those who talk do not know.

Those who know, do not talk."

-jenn