Keeping

it's only the work i take home these jars full of old flesh and bone these chemicals bathing the bits of the animals that keep my wits

oh, doctor! they cry in my hallway at night oh, doctor! they scream in my every dream oh, doctor! why don't you hear squealing of rabbits as you test the effects of new leisure-time habits

and it's only the fact that we learn from these acts on the bodies we burn and the fact that i stare them all down each night before i run aground

oh, doctor! they cry in my hallway at night oh, doctor! they scream in my daydreaming dreams oh, doctor! how is your non-combatant conscience doing battle with the beasts that you've defeated long since?

and it's only the fact that i'm sure of the greater good that keeps me cured and the balance of eternal doubt of my sanity that keeps it about

oh, doctor! they cry in my hallway at night oh, doctor! they scream in my nightmarish dreams oh, doctor! you know us and you love us, yet kill. does it hurt you? yeah, that's why i will

and it's only the good of my fellows that keeps me sane, stable, and mellow and it's only through tears every day i keep the fear of my guilt tucked away and the nightly replay of my soul cracking up that keeps me whole

and my wife knows the burden upon her she keeps me from becoming a monster and it's only the fact that i keep reaccounting that lets me sleep

Simon; September 22, 1999