That Is, To Understand

Familiarity may breed contempt;
But far more often, just indifference.
That which is close seems common, and exempt
From any interesting consequence
Of its inherent nature. What is known
Is thought to therefore have been understood
And comprehended fully on its own
So that new contexts, which for others could
Be used to signify an alteration
Of some importance, are instead ignored,
And the known object left back in its station
While similar exotics are adored.
To see what stands before one's open eyes
Is more than half the struggle of the wise.