The only way around is through. You've heard that one, right? It's the roundabout way of saying Deal with it. Around is through. Ha. That old chestnut Conjures for me The image Of a high school kid At McDonald's pulling his Drink From the self-serve fountain, And my waiting there Watching him overfill the Paper cup not really strong Enough to tolerate the volume Though this obvious fact is, Nevertheless, Lost one the thirsty one Who overfills the cup. I stand and watch, fascinated By the sheen of the liquid Held in delicately By surface tension, Those like molecules Aware of how alone they are, Clinging to themselves, Refusing to go, to flow. The child claps on the lid, And the pink liquid Dribbles down the cup, Down his hand, Into his sleeve, Leaving a sticky place for me. Around is through. Breaking the tension, We lap up all evidence of our folly, Drink up, eat up, and go. Around is through. One Single Impression