It’s disturbing – difficult to believe
that some seek to injure themselves
Isn’t pain to be scrupulously avoided?
Even acted out on the screen – we carefully avert our eyes
And maybe even tremble a little.
 

I read that sensation cancels out sensation
That if you scratch your bug bite
that annoying itch backs down.
What can mitigate a broken heart?
I’d shed blood for some peace – if even for a few hours.
 

If I walked into the ocean
until the water washed away my tears
Does that mean there’d be no more?
The desperate measures that some are driven to
Now take on clarity.

As an habitual Pollyanna
my instincts take over
and lecture sternly to my desolate self
always believing that in the end
peace and kindness will prevail.
 

         The Spirit of the Goddess Minerva