Higher Learning

I begin my contemplation with a definition:
Educate - to develop the faculties and powers of a person.

What faculty would you have me take from this?
From these hours sitting inert,
hearing without listening.
Perhaps the faculty to find air to breathe
while immersed in words void of meaning.
Nay, such an ability need not be encouraged.

Then what wonderful powers must I be obtaining!
Consider my power to complete.
Not a power of passion, nor one of desire.
But the simple gift to work
without the fuel supplied by superfluous interest.
Who would I be without this power, I wonder?

Let me take care what talents I develop in these years.
For I fear the definition of success in another's eyes.