When so many options are available at every moment?

I can walk my dog, and neighbour’s too

or plant some trees, make a nest box to help birds breed.

Or accept the invitation of the nationalists

who are ready to die-

for the country or for community.

I could do the same, kill some and die killing.

Or teach some kids to read and write.

Isn’t child the father of man?

They are in abundance here, easy to find.

Or help raise funds for the poor.

They say that the government statistics lie.

There are more poor around us than we think there are.

Or help with free trade,

take cola and pizza to far-flung underdeveloped countries.

Once they know what they are missing,

maybe they will take off some of our burdens.

Or learn astrophysics.

We have reached only the moon, and a little bit of Mars.

The unexplored universe invites us every day.

Why not marry a black woman, or a white,

just someone of not my colour,

and help the fight against racism?          

Surely joining a missionary group

 to save the souls of those who know no God

will be worthwhile.

Even posting a selfie, with an inspirational message,

on social media is better.

I can impress and motivate others with considerably less effort

than required to push a pencil.

Will my creator be disappointed if I ignore

all these noble pursuits and instead, 

take to good music and wine,

and while away my time writing poetry?