Words are no stumbling block of mine,
When they come from one on the street.
Some pitiable heckler,
Projecting their own insecurities upon me,
Without any such provocation.
How can they know me?

But when the critic is within me,
How malicious its accusations!
How thorough its arguments!
How unshakeable its reasoning!
After all, how can I mount a defense,
Against I who know my every thought?

In this way I’ve become my own worst enemy,
For the guilt is confirmed,
By the very allegation itself!
If I deem myself a worm,
Will I not seek to live in the dirt?
If I deem myself a pig,
Will I not gorge myself on slop?
So here I sit, imprisoned.
Held captive by the warden in the mirror.