is that so? poem by Angelina Castellini

So often I think I know what's going on

in myself, with someone else, or around the world:

I did that because...

They said that because...

It's like that because...

Much of my schooling taught me to ask "why?"

And that a solid response will get rewarded.

Form an opinion. Defend your standpoint. Get it right.

But while grasping for 'because'

a muscle in my body releases and my thoughts change;

my conversation partner gives an unexpected answer;

something somewhere happens that I'd never considered possible.

"Wait, that's an option?"

Suddenly, everything wants to move.

Discombobulation shakes the scaffold.

New paths emerge as old ones crumble.

Pain. Joy. I am learning;

being curious, looking around; humbled.

Who would've thought...

Then, quiet.

For a short while, everything makes SO MUCH sense.

And that familiar voice reappears:

I actually did that because...

They really said that because...

Well, then it's like that because....

Is that so?

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