The Aphorism Carved into the Stone Wall Surrounding Narcissus’ Reflecting Pool

do not fill

your heart with regret

do not lament or

fret that all your needs

cannot be met

with the touch of

just one lover

do not freeze

before clear water

when your mind

locks in upon the words

carved into the wall

of your citadel of comfort

a warning to others

longings that announce

themselves as needs are

for the most part wants

kneeling staring

into rippling water

seeing only yourself

reflecting upward

upon you

despite your travels

polyamorous conquests

voluntary losses

all your hardened gazes

your grasp of

curving shapes

and shadows

nothing more

or less than the

congealing contours

of old wounds

cut in your body

you have not yet 

imagined a way

to heal