why bother

it's easier
with things to make
it black and white,
the literal interpretation
keeping
things clear.
but the poets
and theologians want
us
to see more.
to grieve
harder, seek joy with
more fervor.
think beyond the reach
of our hand.
life and death is not
an even
thing,
nor is good or bad
distributed
with a kind compassionate
hand.
what reason are all these books,
all this learning
with the end so close,
with darkness
encroaching perpetually
with every new rise
of a white sun.
why bother.