From the Manifesto of the Selfish

Some recent discussion in the comments has led me thinking of howI don't necessarily have the words or knowledge to always respond as I would like when friends are hurting. And then, I just know so little.

So anyhow, I thought I'd share this short poem from by Stephen Dunn:

From the Manifesto of the Selfish

Because altruists are the least sexy
people on earth, unable
to say "I want" without embarassment,

we need to take from them everything
they give,
then ask for more,

this is how we excite them, and because
it's exciting
to see them the least bit excited

once again we'll be doing something
for ourselves,
who have no problem taking pleasure,

always desirous and so pleased to be
pleased, we who above all
can be trusted to keep the balance.