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