TWO QUESTIONS

TWO QUESTIONS


WHY I AM HERE?

You ask me
“Why are you here?
You don’t believe in God
In retribution and reward
In a life hereafter”
So, you ask,
“What is your purpose in life?
Why are you here?”

A good question
I have an answer

I am here because I am here
I am here to live this life
With no expectations
Of retribution
Reward
Or afterlife

If I’m right, I won’t know.
If I’m wrong, I won’t tell.
So be it.









AM I A JEW?

You ask me
“Why do you say you are a Jew?
You don’t believe in God
You don’t go to synagogue
You don’t pray to a supreme being
You deny the myths of the Bible
And question even the 10 Commandments
How can you call yourself a Jew?”

A good question
I have an answer

My parents were Jews.
Therefore, I was born a Jew
I associate with Jews
I give to Jewish causes
Whether right or wrong,
I support the Jewish people
They are my people.

My people include
Einstein, Freud, Hillel, Jesus
Maimonades, Marx, Salk
Sabin, Spinozza, Steinmetz
Bernard Madoff and Bugsy Segal
They are all my people
All my people are not perfect.
.

AM I LUCKY?

AM I LUCKY?

I read the obits
So many my age
Even younger
But not yet me
That’s lucky.

Sulfa drugs
By-pass surgery
Radioactive seeding
Medicare
That’s lucky

Nursing home
Assisted living
Not yet for me
That’s lucky

First generation born
Free to pursue
The American Dream
That was really lucky

I’ve had the good life
Most ups, few downs
Unconditional love
Yes, I’m lucky

WHO CARES

WHO CARES

Writers’ block
Nothing new to say
What’s the use?
Nobody listens
Nobody cares

Why should I care?
I have mine
Three pensions
A big home on two acres
So why should I care.

Millions unemployed
What’s it to me
I’m retired
Don’t need a job.
I’m on easy street
So why should I care.

No health insurance?
Can’t afford to get sick
What’s it to me?
I have Medicare
So why should I care

Two endless wars
Thousands killed and maimed
I care, but what can I do?
Just carp and complain
What’s the use?
Nobody is listening
Nobody cares.

I post to my blog
No one reads it.
Maybe my classmates will.
I’ll give it a try
Go to:
www.riverroadpoet.blogspot.com