The “Why?”
Children ask the circular question again,
“Why?”
More than Who? Where? How? When?
And “Because” is never enough
answer for the “Why?” to end.
Why is that, about the question “Why?”,
for there must be a reason
they can comprehend.
But…
At last the answer becomes
“It depends.”
Now…
We confounded elders are asking the same,
“Why?” and the “Why?” about that “Why?”
But then…
“It depends” becomes no answer at all,
a place-holder, a placating stall.
So…
One solid truth still remains.
The “Why?” is a question with nothing explained.
So..
The answer is something we’ll have to suspend,
a circle that has no beginning, no end.
11/10/2024 by djl
And then, based on the timing of the poem I thought of the childlike nature of most of the population that hasn't grown up beyond childish behavior and localist thought. Leaving the rest of us wondering… Why?
I know the answer and it's very simple. Modern society coddles most people to the point where they don't think for themselves except when it comes to personal things like the cost of the things they buy every day and the irrational fears that come out of pastimes like social media, sensational headlines, and even fake or trick studies leading to the wrong conclusions.
I once stood watching Niagara Falls with a doctoral student I had with me. He said, "I wonder where all that water comes from?" He is now the retired Prof. and Dean of the School of Technology at Kent State University.
Yes, the weather is changing. But we should no longer ask, Why? We should know.
Ron
As usual, you've taken an abstract position of a fundamental reality and given us more invigilating ways to consider if we are truly getting all we can out of life without hurting others. Kudos, Diana. Another winner.