Arlene Corwin writes

Ascetic Youth

When I was young and immature I took a ‘no’ as absolute.
It’s in my nature.
Not quite understanding that
A ‘no’ implies alternatives.
I lacked perspective.
Who looked for alternatives,
A complement, a supplement?
Without a doubt,
I gave myself deficiencies of every sort..
The diet that said don’t drink milk
Did not say don’t get calcium.
Who knew?
Who knew the wrong side of obedience 
Is ignorance.
And so I’m thinking,
That’s how despots do their thing!

 

No with Lipstick -- Boris Lurie