In the Beginning

 

There may have been a mean streak in our creator.
He gave us the ability to walk on two feet,
then mocked us by placing birds beside us—
creatures who not only walk on two feet
but soar effortlessly through the air.

He gave us humor,
that we might see the fun side of life,
then added politicians,
so we’d never forget what greed and corruption look like.

He granted us knowledge and understanding,
so we could recognize that our lives have a time limit—
then burdened us with disease and pain.

He keeps the reason for it all hidden behind his back,
like a magician who refuses to reveal
where the rabbit came from.

He ensured that everything we build wears out,
so others can sell us extended warranties.

He gave us memory,
so we could relive our happiest moments,
then made sure nostalgia hurts just enough
to remind us those times are gone.

He gave us love,
but only by making loss its inevitable twin.

He gave us curiosity,
then placed the answers just beyond our reach—
in the stars, in the atom.

If this was all part of a divine plan,
it seems the punchline is still coming.
And we, loyal audience that we are,
keep laughing—
just in case…

 

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