Damn You Madam! Poem by Edward Clapham

Damn you Madam

There is a seductiveness to logical thinking, reducing
Emotion to a sideline of existence; leaving
One assured that rational action will sweep aside
The current problems of life and being.

Except, that my emotions and intuition argue with this
Reductive approach, and assault me with their flamboyant
Assertions and seductive appeals to my inner self, the
Me who I really am and want to be.

Damn you Madam, that you argue with logic and
Deep principles and impeccable morals and responsibilities;
Shunning feeling and common-sense, or even the
Pragmatism of real life, and empathic being.

Intuition tells us the correct morality and meeting of
Responsibilities, informed by understanding of our past;
Giving insight into the twisted machinations of our minds,
That distort common-sense and simple love.

There is no submission or dependence enshrined in
Acceptance of proffered help, nor loss of power in the
Delicate dance of intimate ties; only the insidious fear
Of losing self in an unequal world.

To lose oneself in the endless dance of compromise,
Is to enable independence to flourish in safety,
Not cramp it into an unwelcome mould and stifle
The spirit that gives reason to love and friendship.