Well of Unfulfilled Wishes by Aidan Chafe

It’s easy to fall in love with an idea

Well of Unfulfilled Wishes

by Aidan Chafe

I’ve never given blood, but I’ve donated hours
to strangers as an ear for trauma.

Isn’t the adage:
Blame others before interrogating thyself?

I eat a bowl of Lucky Charms
to stay in touch with my Irish heritage.
‍
Listen to Cat Stevens
to better understand Islam.

At university I learned
the “Book of Revelation” is Science Fiction,

which translated into Latin means,
Liberal Arts is the work of the Devil.

The only way to truly know any story
is to take a minor character out for beers.
‍
Some days I question my morning hit
of serotonin.

Other days I buy a lotto ticket
and sit next to a well of unfulfilled wishes.

It’s easy to fall in love with an idea
after reading 20 pages of self-help.
‍
More difficult to prostrate at the feet
of uncertainty. What I mean to say is,

before you walk a mile in someone else’s shoes,
make sure they fit.

First published in ONLY POEMS (August, 2025)