choices, choices

 

“Ontology in the Cereal Aisle”

 

 

I stood before the Bran and Flakes,
Confronted by the Choice,
And above, a fluorescent buzz,
A small, Cartesian voice:

 

'I think, ' it whispered, 'therefore I
Am capable of crunch,
Yet if I purchase Sugared Loops,
Who dictates what I lunch? '

 

The Determinists insist the grain
Was chosen long ago;
The bowl was set, the milk was poured
By forces I don't know.

 

Free will just as clever a myth
To sell us Rolled-Up Oats;
We are but biological vessels
In tiny, floating boats.

 

I turned toward the Solipsist,
Who sat upon the shelf;
He said the Raisin Bran was real,
But only to himself.

 

The Nihilist beside the Cheerio
Sighed at the cardboard box:
'It matters not if it stays crisp,
Or turns to soggy shocks.'

 

And so I bought the generic brand,
A compromise of sorts-
A fleeting patch of daily warmth
For cold, internal courts.

 

I poured out milk, and raised my spoon,
And watched the cosmic swill,
And wondered if the prize inside
Was saved, or damned to hell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.





Poetry by arquious The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 118 times
Written on 2026-08-13 at 14:41

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Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
This is clever and genuinely funny. The cereal aisle as a philosophy seminar is a great concept, and the different thinkers getting their own breakfast items is a nice touch. The solipsist defending Raisin Bran's reality is probably the best bit. The rhyme scheme stays bouncy and light, which suits the absurdity. But the poem is so busy introducing each philosophical camp that it never quite lands on a feeling or idea of its own. The ending gestures at something deeper with the prize inside, but it comes too quickly after all the jokes. Still, it's a fun read.
2026-08-25


jim The PoetBay support member heart!
So good!

Thank you for your exploration in rhyme of Western thought in the cereal aisle. You have me thinking and smiling. The writing is so subtle and fun, I love it.
2026-08-14


Jamsbo Rockda The PoetBay support member heart!
This is great! Working out if there is "free swill" in the cereal aisle. Very clever.
2026-08-14


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
A smashing poem. Really enjoyable read that slips easily along and has excellent rhymes. I asked myself, 'I wonder if it is part of a serial?' :o) Deserves accolade in my opinion. Blessings, Allen
2026-08-13


Clara Mae Gregory The PoetBay support member heart!
Good morning! I love this!-- especially that last line!
The rhyme and flow is excellent. You've taken a mundane breakfast topic and elevated it into a pleasant thought provoking piece.
For the record, I don't eat much cereal but when I do, I have 3 favorites in choices: Raisen Bran, Crispex and Frosted Flakes. I also like real oatmeal with real fruit added. Have a great day!
2026-08-13