anātman

 let go let go
 he says with a buddha smile
 let go he says
 as if he knew something
 i don't

 need these things
 need love
 need to suffer
 all we need he says
 is to want nothing

 so i consider
 his wealth and renown
 all he could afford
 to give up

 and i reply
 that i would rather
 keep this week
 of dulled pain and unclenched fists

 keep the day off
 from the management of grief

 keep this hour
 in the presence of your desire
 keep this transcendent minute
 and allow myself some things
 i was taught i could never have