Self Portrait

It doesn't interest me if there is one god

Or many gods

I want to know if you belong - or feel abandoned;

If you know despair

Or can see it in others.

I want to know

If you are prepared to live in a world

With it's harsh need to change you;

If you can look back with firm eyes

Saying "this is where I stand."

I want to know if you know how to melt

Into that fierce heat of living

Falling toward that center of your longing.

I want to know if you are willing

To live day by day

With the consequence of love

And the bitter unwanted passion

of your sure defeat.

I have been told

In that fierce embrace

Even the gods

Speak of God.

- David Whyte