Willful Numbness

Willful Numbness

By Brian Looney

Do you see him and thirst?

Do you see him and thirst for his knowledge?

For his experience?

The two are inseparable.

Do you see him and thirst?

Your parched lips yearn for the cup.

But can you gag it down?

Your blind sensuality, does it overcome you?

Does it choke your brain?

Or perhaps it is your willful numbness.

Yes, that is it.

Your willful numbness.

That's why you go to church.

That's why you don't drink.

Your willful numbness.

The dead cannot comprehend vivacity.

They only think they can.

You can't even feel pain.

You only think you can.

How about joy?

The invulnerable can't tell pain from pleasure.

They only think they can.

I'm just a weak mortal.

I wish I could numb myself like you.