Self

Hinduism is about the Self.

I read the Upanishads when I was in high school.
“Self” feels like hair in my mouth.

We’ve all known people named Ralph.
I always thought the name was cool.
Is Hinduism about Ralph?

Bluff Country Gathering had a sweet staff—
Koken and Milliner—I was a fool
for Clarence White’s tunes in my mouth

like Old Cumberland and Russian Rabbit.
Sorry, I’m scratchy and I drool
when I play, but I’m not embarrassed by myself.

I’ll dance until the bell strikes—
I’ve heard there’s no rule
against dancing with your feet in your mouth.

But I’d like to know in whose behalf
I stir the water and muddy the pool.
It’s lonely to be a self.
“Self” feels like having dust in my mouth.