Ego

An empty field, an open place
Uncluttered, lacking hedged embrace.
An open space, wide, wild and free
Warm sun, wide sky, wind spread – pure glee.
 Then thought arose, original sin,
Who knows from where it came creeping in,
‘If this were mine alone, for evermore,
And I would here abide behind closed door’.
 No sooner had the grasping thought gained form
Than I became assailed by fears, new-born.
‘What if I should lose this chosen site?’
Acid anguish did my whole heart smite.
 What can be done to save my Eden,
How can this paradise be hidden?
Protecting wants consumes my time,
Naught remains of bliss sublime.
 The high, hard granite castle curtain
Ensures my life – and death – are certain;
Titanic efforts raise each ward
None may plunder what I guard.
 Yet when I look, what I grasped has gone.
What sign do I find of freedom?
None.