???

They reveal themselves

on multiple levels,

hidden in plain sight,

as Highlights picture puzzles

in Pediatricians’ offices;

rearing their inquisitive,

snake-like heads in places

polite society would never acknowledge.

Manners won’t dissolve them,

not even nasty stares or snarky comments.

Firm they hang, waiting

to be plucked like ripe fruit,

sometimes even falling off the tree,

glancing blows off unsuspecting heads.

“What have you to gain

by this endeavor; what have I?”

“What would happen

if we stood back,

leaving well-enough alone,

giving a chance to the people

whose very life may

depend on this outcome?”

Maybe that’s the ultimate question,

first asked by smart-aleck kid:

“What’s it to you?”

And if the answer is,

“Nothing much.” then

it may really not be

our question to answer.

Perhaps we could better spend

our time answering questions

for which we are chiefly responsible:

“Why am I here?”

“What can I do?”

“What will it matter?”

© 2012 Todd Jenkins