For every problem, a self-help book,
for every dry spot, a lotion.

For each kind of flaw, a remedy,
a baguette for each bottle of wine.

A gold ring for each finger,
pearls to grace every neck.

A diet for each over-eater,
a flag for every pole.

For each soldier a salute,
for each undertaker, a corpse.

For every philosopher, a theory,
an explantion of the meaning of life

that inspires college freshmen,
makes sense of it all

until a tornado blows the house off the foundation
or a fuzzy-haired baby is born.