At Any Rate Poem by RIC BASTASA

at any rate
what does it really matter
if she knows you
granting that to be true?

does the riddle of the Sphinx
ring true?
can't you be Phoenix for once
and rise
from the ashes
after some centuries?

just be yourself
the truth is
you are more beautiful when you
wear your true face
when i speak your true name

(from the four or so
many names you have
invented for yourself
so many selves
like a gorgon's head)

will it not be the sweetest?
i mean, your real name.