Dr ML Godin - A Pain Named Dog[a recollection of Nietzsche]

A Pain Named Dog
[a recollection of Nietzsche]


I have given a name to my pain
and call it Dog
I can tell it to sit lay down
roll over play dead
I scold it and shame it
and pretend it's my bitch
And though it worries my carcass
and growls and shits
It gives me a leg up. On profundity.

I have given a name to my beauty
and call it Snake
I observe it wind my hand
delicate as flowers ferocious as fangs
I tell it PULSE DANGER. SWALLOW BLIND MICE.
And though its little murders do not ripple
the still-water universe
It's all about ego. Feeling groovy.

I have given a name to my anger
and call it Cockroach
I fatten it with booze and candy
it waxes petty and cruel
I chase it to squash it
curse its very existence
But because it incites war
in the bowels of men
It does me some good. Keeps them in check.

I have given a name to my disease
and call it Devil
Sad Devil. Mean-spirited
jealous and cruel.
I know the Fiend called Devil
is the Blindness called Life
Still I shout HUZZAH
with the rest.
It appeases. Why not?

I have given a name to my sadness
and call it God
I tell it YOU ARE DEAD. Long live you?
I command SIT STAY ROLL OVER
at least fucking PLAY DEAD
And though it is just as obtrusive and entertaining
shameless as any other god
There are others. I pray.