How Are You, The Unpredictability II
They almost always start the conversation
With “How are you?” You say “Fine”.
You tow the line,
It is the norm, time honoured;
Automatic, form expected.
Form accepted.
Yet, you’ve reached an age
Where you no longer fit the norm,
Wish the form.
You hesitate,
Wait just a bit before retorting.
Unpredictable: today, tomorrow:
Routine ailments, triumphs, sorrow;
Unpredictable around-the-clock.
Is it wrong to buck the question,
Wait to answer? I think not.
The answer not as black and white as it may seem.
There’s been a screaming virus!
Long term side effects, some new vaccine…
When they ask you how you are,
Think of instability,
Ups and downs, hour, weekly, daily…
Take a second to reply,
“Fine” like most cliches a childish lie.
How Are You:The Unpredictability 8.9.2017/ revised, updated 8.9.2022
Circling Round Reality; Definitely Didactic; Our Times, Our Culture II; Arlene Nover Corwin
Arlene Corwin Poetry 