stools & rules

What is a present without the wrapping paper
What is a hiding place that's been exposed
What is a clown that doesn't cut a caper
What is a song that's never been composed

What is a book without enclosing cover
What is a letter written with no ink
What is adultery with no secret lover
What is a glass for one who cannot drink
What happens between the two stools
That doesn't fit in the pigeonhole
Is it there the exceptions that prove the rules
Define the things beyond control

What is a mirror that breaks into a thousand pieces
And seven years of bad luck if you've never had such
What is Virgin Mary if she didn't give birth to Jesus
What is a stripper that refuses to undress
What is a pipe dream without a future chapter
What is nostalgia without memories of the past
What is 'cops and robbers' if no one is the captor
What is permanence that doesn't last