Readiness

Readiness

"What if" peals out a totally

gruesome pessimistic ring,

Yet claims no majestic power

for transforming anything.

For whatever the infinite

unknown future holds in store,

"What if" conveys an empty, trite

expression and nothing more.

Before you say "what if" again

examine the conclusion,

I think you'll see how "prepare now"

can conquer self-delusion.

"What if" I fail to pass the test

"prepare now" to be expert;

"What if" I have an accident,

"prepare now" to stay alert.

"What if" we have a nuclear war,

"prepare now" for global peace;

"What if" some test proves I'm dying,

"prepare now" for your decease.

"What if" I don't have enough time,

"prepare now" to find a way;

What if" tomorrow never comes,

"prepare now" for just today.

"What if" only causes anxious

worry to the pessimist;

With sound preplanned preparation,

"what if" ceases to exist.

by L. Ruth