Thunk Again


My name is Rick and I’m a problem thinker.
I crave a think first thing in the morning
and often sit thinking alone past midnight.

Well-meaners say I think too much. “Why don’t 
you just chill?” they mutter through pursed, blue lips.
“Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream.”

Sometimes I try to moderate my thinking.
Never think alone. Only at parties.
Only on cruise ships. Only natural thoughts.  

But thoughts of not thinking trigger thunken jags: 
Where would I be if I just stopped thinking?
What complexities would remain unplumbed?

Which events go unsifted for irony? 
Who would be anxious for me? Who would dread?
Who would determine when God is unfair?

And soon enough I’m thinking more than ever,
in despair, asking What have I gained from thinking
but confusion and demoralization?

Enough! I’ve hit bottom. Don’t take the first think! 
I’ll begin tapering off immediately. 
I’ll quit thinking tomorrow.