If I Go

by Melissa Kummerow

art: Heather McLean

If I go,

If I help…

Yes – I am sacrificing precious Time.

What, do I never sacrifice Time pouring it straight down the drain?

Yes – I may make a Fool of myself.

What, am I so Wise in other situations?

Yes – I may be Corrected.

What, am I Right elsewhere?

Yes – I may lose others’ Good Opinion of me.

What, do others think Perfectly of Me otherwise?

I cannot be anything you think I ought to be, Accuser –

 all the things you would have me guard fast.

Everything you think I ought to protect,

is desert hallucination.