Ask A Simple Question Poem by Cretan Maineiac

for Samantha Smith (1972 - 1985)

She raised the question to the
sky, simply asking Why
such a cold absence of comity between the Bear and the

Eagle? Andropov assured her he wanted
Peace as he
ordered strafing on Afghan villagers &

spread the bloodred tide of
Kremlin goodwill. She
was just a pawn in that

global chess match (Daniloff) , propping up a
failed economic philosophy &
glory-gilt munitions &, well... another

chance to make the
Gipper look bad, tho she'd simply asked
Why? &

took it (by invitation) to Moscow, Tokyo, Hollywood &
London under the
shadow of Halley's comet, 'till

Flight 1808 took Hope's boldest emissary on
that ride we're all due a
turn on, into the

wet oaks & pines & golden
rods just short of
Runway 4, 'Lewie (44N/70W)

(i felt it from
the Villa)
' ~ashes-to-

ashes~ all further questions & '...her smile, her
idealism and unaffected sweetness of
spirit' (Reagan) down in

flames, leaving only the
Answer to that
question aloft.