The reason we give it so much verbiage
the reason we give it time
The reason we search the light fantastic
the reasons left ill defined

The reason the choices finally matter
the reason we pick and choose
The reason we leave a trail behind us
the reasons we’re not bemused

The reason the voices call within us
the reason the nights are long
The reason each season traps our longing
the reasons both right and wrong

The reason when nothing’s left to answer
the reason no sirens call
The reason we leave the past unanswered
—the reasons we can’t recall

(The New Room: March, 2023)