Should I Disrobe?

Should I undress and reveal my nether regions to you –

the basement dungeons where the ghouls play

and the warders march clockwise with whips?  

Should I show you the mirror – oh we all have one –

where the shame and miseries lurk, hoof against back, paw against throat? 

Should I show you where the bodies are buried,

the discards of life,

the refuse of my heart? 

I prefer to keep it light, dressed in stage paint,  

disguising my voice – I have a funny accent to try,

I could speak   s lo w l y or softly,

but you might turn away, discouraged, and bored.

Lights on or off?

Is that the shibboleth of desire? 

Or what books do you read and have you been assimilated by them? 

Do you prefer Kant? 

Do you prefer lieder? 

Silence? 

Know yourself?  Know me.