The Categorical Imperative Poem by RIC BASTASA

i could have stayed and
done what i really wanted,

but there is something that i must do
and i didn't like it,

something that we do not like
cannot just be left undone

it is bitter and not too rewarding
but it ought to be done just the same

it is not for me
it is for the rest of the world and the universe
and the galaxies

it does not end when it is finished by the shape of my hands
it leaves me empty

but i am relieved and now i am glad
& so let me begin again from the beginning

i could have stayed and
done what i really wanted,

but there is something that i must do
and now i am thinking that i must like it... it is

The imperative.