Doctrine

 Mortify the flesh

forever: so

I will die with these desires

frustrated, unsatisfied

or else condemned—

there is no path with joy.

Was I born to offend God?

Is life only penance?

Seems wrong;

but, broken that I am,

maybe I wouldn’t know.

Let the spirit lead you;

in salvation, be free of guilt;

et cetera; ok. —But

that doesn’t explain for me

these valleys of my soul

these continents in my heart

created only to see

if I can destroy this part of myself

again and again

forever.

may 2023