What is...?

What is life,
but a sequence of events
over which we have little sway?

What is honor,
but a noble idea
that can get one killed?

What is knowledge,
but a trove of facts
that are typically irrelevant?

What is money,
but bits of metal and paper
that are useless in the end?

What is society,
but something that rises
and must come crashing down?

What is progress
but advancements and projects
that will one day be overcome?

What is heaven,
but a fanciful dream
to lighten Death's darkness?

What is love,
but the idea that a heart
does more than beat?

What is a kiss,
but a touch of lips
against another's?

What is this poem,
but a dreamer's wish
to be remembered?