The State of Ambiguity

A powerful state, indeed,

Hegemonic, one might say,

Obsessively bipolar,

A system entirely built

On the troubling principle

Of two sides to everything,

Two equal and opposite

Sides—nearly equal, at least,

Equal enough for contests

In which the outcome’s in doubt.

In sport, law, or politics,

In marriages, partnerships,

When mired in muddy issues,

A balanced division rules

Within Ambiguity—

Two sides to every story,

Neither one certain, but one

Or other must win each round.

Anything else isn’t fair,

Not in this divided state

Where everyone’s united

By their split mythology

Of offense paired to defense,

Clear-cut ambiguities.