The restraint it takes to be silent
when insane, gaslighting, villains provoke you
is the most glorious virtue in the world. Pity
the insane, but don’t be passive. Be restrained.
Do something stupid once—and the movie ends,
say goodbye to love, apologize to friends.
Virtue must swim against the tide.
Restraint reconciles the heart with the outside.
Don’t do that, which you think you can do,
unless you consider all that could happen to you.
I want you to consider yourself, that’s all.
Be superficial. Congratulate yourself that you’re calm and tall.
But don’t make this apparent to the small.
Do everything for yourself and by yourself.
Let others’ books sit heavy on the shelf.
Let them write and read.
Let them brag. They will have that need.
It took me a long time to know
this truth about everyone:
The wild animal of their ego.
Keep every person at bay.
Hold them accountable, or mostly accountable,
for every word they say.
Most of humanity is completely insane.
Be alone. At the movies. Or in the beautiful rain.