Quatrains for a Calling

Why are you here? Who have you come for and what would you gain? Where is your fear? Why are you here? You’ve come so near, or so it would seem; you can see the grain in the paper — that’s clear. But why are you here when you could be elsewhere, earning a living or actually learning? Why should we care why you’re here? Is that a tear? Yes, there’s pressure behind the eyes — and there are peers. But why are you here? At times it sears. The pressure and shame and the echoing pain. What do you hear now that you’re here? The air’s so severe. It calls for equipment, which comes at a price. And you’ve volunteered. Why?Are you here? What will you wear? What will you do if it turns out you’ve failed? How will you fare? Why are you here when it could take years to find out — what? It’s all so slippery, and may not cohere. And yet, you’re here    ... Is it what you revere? How deep does that go? How do you know? Do you think you’re a seer? Is that why you’re here? Do you have a good ear? For praise or for verse? Can you handle a curse? Define persevere. Why are you here? It could be a career.