It Is What It Is

“….It’s a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.…” Winston Churchill

Life for our household begins with coffee and the enigma de jour. The world, on the other hand, has already either solved its mysteries, or has just thrown up its hands, saying, “It is what it is” and moved on.

Today’s riddle for the table is, “Why do we have gray hair?” Nobody can come up with much of an answer except, “Consult Google.” We leave it at that.

Life’s riddles have stumped philosophers and ascetics for centuries. Some things remain a permanent mystery. But we can’t leave it at that. NO, we demand answers. Insanity, more than intellect, often solves slippery enigmas. Hence, the cliché, “It is what it is,” a catch-all phrase to give closure to the mystery.

Like arcane mysteries, brevity does a better job in edifying than prose. So, here for your enlightenment is the week’s solution to life’s deepest secrets by the intrepid poet dancing on the tightrope, center ring, no net, risking everything in attempting 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 wink.

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.

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 that 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 hyperbolic spoof.
When all has been said it's impossible to say
‘Bout the multiple uses of this adaptable cliché.

When Life has riddles you can’t figure out,
Don’t moan and complain what it’s all about,
The answer will come, you’ll hear Someone say,
“It is what it is, and it’s better My way.”

So now try walking through life with a smile,
And go with your neighbor that extra mile.

* * *

Sir Winston was close to the perfect solution, but he didn’t go far enough…”it is what it is” completes the equation.

Yes, we did find the answer to the mystery of gray hair, but for the rest of today’s mysteries? Well, I’m just gonna kick back and enjoy the ride. After all, “it is what it is.” What more can be said? Res ipsa loquitur.

Bud Hearn
June 6, 2013