Criterion 5

[HereSince1628]

On Self-harm
not to be confused with reckless acts
that might be part of Criterion 4)

If it were a coyote in the jaws of a leg-hold trap
You would defend a natural longing to be free.
If it were a climber’s arm caught under a rock fall
You would see a heroic desire for life.
Why is cutting free from the maw of madness
A reason for incarceration?

[HereSince1628]

1. The Reply

Because it is my misperception.
No matter what in panic I excise
I am the rock fall.
I am the leg-hold trap