Why?
--
Why?
How many times
have you thought that question
quietly to yourself?
How many times
have you wanted to speak up
but didn’t want to draw attention
to yourself?
How many times
have you let something slide
because it was easier, because it was safer,
because “someone else will take care of it”?
I am ashamed
when I truly consider
how many times in my life
I let this happen.
I taught my children to ask why.
I told them it is better to ask,
it is better to learn,
it is better to know.
And they do.
They ask the easy questions
and the hard questions,
the silly questions
and the profound questions.
And I have always answered
as honestly as I knew how,
and if I did not know,
we found out the answers together.
Then they reached the age
where the questions were
both profound and current.
And I did not have the answers.
It was a pivotal moment.
I promised myself that
I would ask “Why?” out loud.
I would speak up.
I will speak up.
I will not let things slide
because it is easier, or safer,
or someone else might do it.
I will speak up.
I will ask “Why?” out loud.
I will ask the questions
and try to find the answers.
For myself,
For my children,
For everyone’s children,
For all of us.
