I Cannot Tell a Why

What is the sum of one plus one,

Where did Apollo land,

When did the Titanic sink?

These answers, close at hand.

 

But ask why there’s such sadness,

Why good people have to die,

Why some grief will never fade ~

I just can’t tell you why.

 

I’ll tell you if your stocks are up

And how to tie your shoes;

Which baseball player is the best ~

I’m good with hows and whos.

 

But why a bully just won’t stop

Until his victims weep ~

I can’t begin to answer that;

The whys go much too deep

 

Why does violence seem the norm

with peace in short supply;

I guess I’m not too bright, because

I cannot tell a why.

 

Reviews

[richom]

Besides being wonderfully written, you've thought of a great theme for a poem. I could see this going on for dozens of additional stanzas. Excellent, Rita

[Rita L. Sev]

I had a list of "things I could tell you" and "whys I do not know"... Thanks, Rich.

[icelandicblue]

Why is always the most difficult to understand and it does not always have an answer. I love how you presented this conundrum in a poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Not always an answer, or the answers keep changing... Thanks, Blue.

[icelandicblue]

So true, and I forgot to mention how much I love your title. It's a fabulous play on a famous (although fictitious) quote.

[Abdul Aziz]

And yet, the whys are the reason we are in the state we are. Witty, amusing and philosophical at the same time. Always love reading your rhyming, delightful poetry!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Abdul. You are right, if only we could get to the root of the whys, we might be able to fix some things...

[D. T. Wine]

That is indeed a question I have asked myself to no avail...If you find out....please tell me. P.S. I enjoyed the poetry.

[Rita L. Sev]

Will do... Thank you, D. T.

[Sheila Kline]

It is in your kind nature to ask such a question and in that I am pleased, but unfortunately we do not have the answers to the questions you pose!! It is sad that we as a "lot" are both the recipient and giver of so much violence and heartache for our world! I wonder if we shall ever have the true answers my friend! I know we can show love and compassion as you do and place it in the hands of the good Lord to help us sort through the solutions to these problems that plague us!!
Thank you for caring!!

[Rita L. Sev]

Sheila, thank you so much for your kind words and insights. You offer hope in spite of our lack of answers!

[Arrinae]

I like it. I like how you show that no matter the number of questions we mamy have, ther eare many that we will never have an answer for. I love reading your work!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Arrinae.

[Marie]

None of us are that bright.

[Rita L. Sev]

True. Thanks, Marie.

[Pete Langley]

You ask these questions because you are a fine, balanced person who cares about other people, Rita...you can`t answer them for the same reason. Individual and collective bullies only have one pre-occupation - themselves. Well done, luv. P.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes, that's so true about bullies, Pete. Thank you so much.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

You ask some important questions in smooth poetic form... life is full of mystery...
the only question I have an answer for is bullies are just people with low self esteem that feel better bout them selves by putting others down.

[Rita L. Sev]

There are studies that suggest that bullies actually have high self esteem - to the point of arrogance, thinking that they can do and say anything they want. Either way, it is a painful aspect of living among other people... Thanks, Dale.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Oh I know... I got in plenty of fights in high school protecting good kids from bullies.

[OTownPete]

So many good but sad points are raised in this write Rita and I agree with you...I can't answer a why either. Your friend in words, Pete

[Rita L. Sev]

And on we still go... Thank you, Pete.