Why? Poem by Jesse Bauer

Why have heroes? Why have hope?
Why have idols? I ask you, why?

We all have goals, sometimes dreams,
but we all grow up to die.

Why achieve grades? Why attend Harvard?
Why impress Daddy? Why push for Yale?

There is no higher calling or cause.
You mean just as much as those who fail.

Why high salary? Why a career?
Why is money what brings out your best?

There is nothing to work for these days.
All that effort means nothing in death.

Why become married? Why have children?
Why have a family? Why live that lie?

Family prolongs this hopelessness,
for we all grow up to die.