So Hard

So hard to know what counts, to know what matters,
distill it through some modicum of wisdom,
when concentration wanes, attention scatters.

When everything held dear is torn to tatters:
to fight the malefactors or appease them?
So hard to know what counts, to know what matters.

Who wins? The one who speaks the truth -- or flatters?
It's difficult to know how best to please them
when concentration wanes, attention scatters.

What's one more lie? Acknowledge when it shatters
your norms - and then make sure that no one sees them.
So hard to know what counts, to know what matters.

Don't be surprised. Life started in the gutters,
from boiling, slimy molds. Too late to freeze them
when concentration wanes, attention scatters.

Time yet for just desserts, best served on platters?
Go, hug your loved ones. Go, and hug and squeeze them.
So hard to know what counts, to know what matters,
when concentration wanes, attention scatters.