We All Have Them: debate via prose or poetry prompt why - carl missouri

a previously posted piece but it seemed to be fitting

We All Have Them:

Apprentice standing tangent to master 

on the edge position of ellipse 

counting slowly on his fingers ten 

more than once repeated conjecture 

muttered softly under the breath - When?

Understudy waiting in the wings 

mouthing lines that she never will speak 

seems that destiny set her aside 

mourning the overlook by betters 

with unspoken question only - Why? 

Assistant professor of physics 

late in observatory tower 

filled with feelings of a sycophant 

taking note of the midnight splendor 

with a shake of the head he inquires  - How?

Philosophy student deep in thought

puzzled by self assured professores 

and the unnumbered options they teach

desiring to know the truth himself  

breathes out a single sighed reply - Which? 

 

Husband upwards of forty-five years

unsure the request was meant for him

pauses briefly with adamant rebut

concerning need for a hearing aid

looking around and about says - What?  

 

Reviews

[Victor D. Lopez]

Ah, the enduring questions of life both large and small. I love the insecurity/impatience? of the first stanza's question, the gentle pathos in the second stanza's, the awe/curiosity of the third stanza's, the yearning for meaningful answers where there are none in the fourth stanza, and especially the for me most relatable humor (for me) and frustration (for my wife) of the last stanza's question which I ask much too often these days. Rally nicely done.

[carl]

Thank you, Victor, for your time to read, process, and review. Greatly appreciated. -carl

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Decisions, decisions, and the questions that surround the life choices or events we endure or celebrate. But the real question is who. Who knows? Because I (too) have some questions for them. (laughing) I enjoyed this gem of a write. Best wishes from Appalachia on a cool Sunday morning.

[carl]

Thank you, sir, for the read review and affirmation that all questions come back to who - carl

[emmajoygreen]

Life is full of quandaries, you have invited them, made them welcome then.. brilliantly sorted them into neat piles to be sifted by one and all- when and how etc' they can sort their thoughts. Wandering emotions are worthy of thought and where possible a few responses allow them to be sifted politely and then allow the chitter-chat to continue. (Indefinitely if necessary!) You have certainly done that soooo, big thank you from yours truly, sir.

[carl]

thanks for the read and review and polite shifting, a much need process - carl

[Pete]

nagging questions beget yet more nagging questions. is what we don't know that is of prime concern and keeps us up at night. ever like inquisitive children, we find our way through life stumbling in the dark afraid of making a mistake perhaps, other too carefree and not giving a tinker's damn. thought provoking.

[carl]

Thank you, Pete for your insight - I have been the tinker and now I think I'm questioning what I don't know but honestly I would rather that than go back to the previous trend. - carl

[Betty Hermelee]

I love how you structured this poem with examples of When, Why, How, Which, and What... these are everyday questions we ask various people, but we don't really think about it... it comes naturally... the best one is the last one...WHAT!!! kudos....
Warmly, B

[carl]

Thanks for the time to read review and comment much appreciate the encouragement - carl

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome Carl
Warmly, B

[Rachel Fitzgerald-Feele..]

Nicely done! I especially liked the last stanza. Made me smile :)

[carl]

the last is autobiographical the others just speculations on folks who have questions concerning their current lot. Thanks for the read and review - carl

[Rachel Fitzgerald-Feeley]

I guessed that...thanks for sharing

[Lorry]

We do all have them Carl, all the how, when, where, why and How's. They seem to be a constant wallpaper of background noise in my head these days, growing ever bolder and stronger as I fight against the tide of drowning in them.
Clever piece to make sense of them all. I hope it found you some answers to them. 😀

[carl]

appreciate the read and review - "constant wallpaper of background noise in my head" agree and a nice line - carl