Some part of me needs to be
Taken out behind the barn and shot
By some other part of me.

I’m not sure which part is writing this.
Perhaps that will become clear
Once we make it behind the barn.

What then? The ribbon of film runs out
And you think: In one sense you’ve lost yourself,
But in another you haven’t because

Who is this you you’ve lost?
Said another way, who was that you
And who is the you who feels the loss?

- Michael Barrish

Originally posted September 17, 2004