A paradox of sorts,
came to me today,
and said that I could earn one wish,
just hear what he would say.

I agreed, and said,
go, speak it now,
and tell me whatever you like,
so with a grin and a bow,

He said, "I went a-walking,
and met a very odd sight,
two men among the barley-stalks,
had got into a fight.

Said one, 'come now,
it can't be done!'
the other said, 'Indeed!' Until
came I, along the road, to spoil all the fun

'Dear sirs!' said I,
'What is amiss?'
they turned their heads my way,
and said, 'Now answer this:'

'To forget to remember?
Remember to forget--
it can't be done, he says,
but has no proof as yet'

So I, with all my wisdom,
did tell the two of them,
the answer to their problem,
they bid me come again.

If you can guess the answer,
the wish is yours indeed,
but if you lose the game for now,
I'll be the one who's freed."

I sat and thought
for quite some time,
but still my mind could not think up
some sense from his old rhyme.

At last I quit,
and turned to go,
but he laughed and ran away,
and left me with my woe.

For now am I
a prisoner of this,
a question, without answer,
but... would YOU like a wish?