It Is What It Is

Friends: It is What It Is

Well, after last Friday's spectacle, I was stingingly chastised by our Hangar Housemother and admonished to down-tone the hilarity a bit, seeing that perhaps some of the more reverential characters among us may have been offended at the Gruber/Hearn spoofs and mockery of decorum. So, having consulted the Hangar Think Tank, and being one to always defer to better judgment, I decided to get serious for a change of pace.

The pace? Well, to decipher that slippery enigma that for centuries has stumped philosophers and ascetics alike, and that only fools or the very brave will attempt to do. The subject? Why to shed some light on the riddle of "It is what it is." You know, that catch-all phrase used to describe the indescribable. And like all arcane mysteries, poetry does a better job than prose. So, here for your enlightenment is the Hangar Think Tank's intrepid poet, out on the tightrope, center ring, no net, to attempt this feat:

It is what it is

It is what it is is not hard to recall
When you need a reply that answers it all.
Without any need or effort to think
You can throw it right out as quick as a blink.
And folks will then think you're a genius profound,
And to utter such wisdom you're sure to astound.
'Cause both the simple and brilliant proclaim
There’re just some things that can't be explained.
And it makes little difference if you're dumb or smart
Just whisper these words and the waters will part.

Just what "it" is it is hard to say
It is what it is, there's no other way.
Is "it" maybe this, or could “it” be that?
It doesn’t really matter, one tit or one tat.
"It" means the same thing in every context
Just blurt "it" out and great minds you'll vex.
They'll think intelligence is your life's degree
And if you're a Charlatan you can charge a big fee,
For Pretence pays big to escape the mundane
Even for carnival-like legerdemain.

The Crux of the phrase is what "is" really is,
And Clinton tried hard to explain away his.
And you may have had a good reason to try
To explain your "is" with a creative lie.
But “it is what it is” gives ample proof
Of its value to save with a hyperbolic spoof.
When all has been said it's impossible to say
Of the multiple uses of this adaptable cliché.
But 'round this hangar on Friday you'll know,
It is what it is, and there ain't nothing mo'.


Bud
May 10, 2007