Where was I before I
was born? my child asked.
I didn't know. "Nowhere"
was no answer, not since
the time I collapsed
in the diner and whatever I
I essentially am went
walkabout while the I
that is my body stayed
slumped with the paramedics.
Another answer I don't know
is why I will grow old and die.
But say I say "evolution" or
"it's God's plan," and then
you ask me why we evolved
or were planned that way.
Even if I answer, can't you see
how sooner or later all whys
arrive at "I don't know"?
So, now, my friend when
you so innocently ask,
"Where are you from?"
forgive me if I don't know
which "from" I should
begin with, or even --
given that my cells
are dividing as we speak --
which "I."