But/If

so much hinges
on “if”
and/or “but”
perhaps “maybe”

mention “no”
and the proposition
collapses into a
heap of best
intentions denied

“here” is not “there”
“where” cannot be “”when”
“then” is not
“now” and
never could be “ever”

“maybe” is where
I’ll be found
after the proud
get their round

nothing more
is due
but if you
have to ask
to get a clue
you’ll never know
“why”