If You Get Too Near I Leave. Poem by RIC BASTASA

i have myself
only as my only friend
my best friend
do i have any choice?
i am always with myself
anywhere i go
so i better befriend
me.

somehow there will always
be a wall
to separate me from myself.

this distance that
scrutinizes and distinguishes
that which knows
how to differentiate
arrives at some critical times
and accepts
conclusions.

do not touch me
i shall detest it.
do not embrace me
i cannot breathe

i reflect
those passing years
i emit light.

i do not reflect
it for it is too risky
i give
rather than receive.

if you get too near
i leave.