THE QUESTION

      “How Wise is that?”—the question to be asked
      Of all of our decisions, great and small,
      For Providence and prudence both have tasked
      Us to respect the benefit of all.

      “How wise is that?  What value does it serve
      That we should rightly aim to realize?
      Does it bring vigor, valor, vim or verve
      To life—some indicators of what’s wise?”

      But is there then no place for trivial
      Activities, for heedless, thoughtless fun?
      Is dour the way and not convivial?
      How is the race our race is running won?

           Of all wise values, there is none above
           The greatest to pursue—and that is love.

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