Koan

If no one ever
Reads the words
Formed from the thoughts
Once held in my head
Did I ever think those thoughts?

If no one ever
Returned the love
Someone selflessly gave
Once held in their heart
Did they ever feel it?

If no one ever
Sings the song
Though someone plays the melody
That begs for accompaniment
Is it really music?

What is a riddle
Without someone to ponder it?
What is a joke
Without someone to laugh at it?
What is a child
Without someone to teach it?

What happens to dreams
If all we do is never sleep?
What happens to our days
If all we do is dream?
What happens to the world
If we are never there?

What is a god without worshippers?
What is a people without faith?
What is religion that condemns?
What is science that destroys mystery?
What is rationality without bounds?
What is spirituality that dooms us?

What is the sound
Of no one listening?
What is seen
If everybody looks the other way?
What is known
If no one’s there
To think about it?