If I put those parts of me I distain
away in a box, where they can hide
from the world, if I just do not decide
their resolution, I can avoid pain
and needling from their sharp little jabs.
Their effect on my life can be reduced
to nil – I can refuse to be seduced
into picking at their festering scabs.
But they will still continue to infect
every safe part of my life; and the more
I avoid dealing with these ugly things,
trusting in the power of pure neglect,
in the shadows they will find great succor,
and fill that quiet place with suffering.
27 JAN 2003
