Incestual Conversations

With a shape, the sorrow emerged
with a smile, the incest
bears none to a forward march
past in a hidden chest

With a voice (song), the agony conceived
with a whisper, the temptation
dwindle within thyself
abrasive through eternal salvation

Kings of Oedipus and Queens of Electra
Forgotten not will thy infame
With a glorious yesterday and fallen tomorrow
As I judge myself in thy name

Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.

- Abraham J. Heschel