This, in its all consuming way,
The mithridatism that is today,
In this, the Occidental way,
We cannot not partake in,
Except in leaving this so ingrained way:

Leaving this western existence,
So grained and ingrained with
Society’s unforeseeing ways.
Where to go against the grain
Of society goes against the grain
Of the individual, but to go
With the grain of society goes
Against the grain of the Self.

The grain of the Self flows and grows
With and within the tree that is the
Universe, flowing upward and outward,
Carrying with it the wisdom of the Self
With and to all other Selves of the universe.

The grain of the individual disrupts and
Interrupts the true flow of the Self,
Forming knots in the wood of the universe tree,
Knots that are the roots of other branches,
Branches that lead the individual away from
The flow of the Self. Branches though, from
Which the individual may fall as leaves to
Earth, and be taken in again to flow upward,
Perhaps to higher branches, but ultimately
Upward, flowing infinitely upward and outward,
Along the trunk and through all the branches
Of the universe tree.

The grain of society is a constant struggle
For individuals, for branches, for Selves,
It is a struggle, the flow of which is
In circles, bringing society back to where
Society began; taking society and holding
It from its own freedom, its own expression,
Taking from it its own life; poisoning itself,
In its unsuccessful mithridatistic attempts.