Self-Denial

You have to deny yourself something, Dear,

or else you are not independent,

not distinct, a thing, as opposed

to the world entire,

which you are for sure,

philosophers know,

but ignore them a minute,

you, yourself: if they didn’t think

you were also yourself,

would they have any need

to say you are not?

You are and you aren’t, but listen:

Life is a series of steep conundrums

forming the sides of the hole you’re in.

Don’t even think about getting out

if you can’t deny yourself something.