Licks

Unmoored, I can get to constant worry
about what humankind is
and no
not the old dumb question
yes, DUMB
about man’s inherent nature
whether it be evil or good
that matters not a figgy fuck
what does however
is the slightly more subtle
and just a pinch less stupid question
of if we’d rather
be good or evil
what do we choose to do
extend a hand, help a friend, assist strangers
don the lifeguard trunks
zinc on the nose
sitting alert for hours concerned
only with the safety of others
or do we build a wall, enslave the fiends
put on the prison guard uniform
lead in the chamber
standing alert for hours concerned
only with the oppression of others
the choices
are cooperation, compassion, trust
up against
selfishness, greed, fear
there’s no real answer
it’s like asking
how many licks does it take
to get to the center
of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop
and the query is put to the wise old owl
who ponders and hoots and finally replies: “Hitler.”