Self Portrait

Ellis Paul

I tried to frame my own self portrait

into a three-minute one-act play

But I'm a carnival of voices

it's hard to pin me down that way

without my subconscious saying

"I'm not in love with you,

but I'd be willing to make a change.

It's these profound fits of sunshine

that bring on subsequently rain."



"If I could make a suggestion -"

I say, `Oh, this should be nice'

"The middle ground is partly sunny,

Now take my good advice,

nobody's out here throwing rice yet

But me and the voices inside of your head

all agree..."



and I say, `Since we're all here talking -

You think I'm afraid of you?

Well, I'm afraid I think you're right...

I've never been good at crowd control

Your voices keep me up all night' `Now, I'm no psychiatrist

though I'm known for Freudian slips

I'd like to thank my Id and Ego

for the roller coaster trip

and if my memory will permit me

I'd like to remember to keep you voices

out of my head...'