50-50

by Lawrence Mark Lesser

In print, the magazine editor muses, “Every time
I board a plane, I assume my chances
are 50-50: either
the plane lands safely, or it doesn’t.”
There it is again – the mirage
that outcomes must be
equally
likely.

I could blame
his teachers and textbooks
stuck in stale symmetry:
quarters, cards, dice.
Now my choice:
either I make
a teachable moment
or I don’t.

I decide
to ask that editor if he is just
as quick to apply
his view to rare 
delightful events
like winning the lottery,
finding one’s soulmate,
and world peace.