Stanzas for Descartes

I think, therefore I am.

I think I can do without it, whatever it is, therefore I can.

I can what I’m thinking, I am therefore not a can.

Therefore, I can do without thinking.

Heretofore, I will do what I am and what I am not.

I think I am, therefore it can be done, that is if I’m not doing it.

Perhaps I can’t think at all, thinking not that I am a can at all, a receptacle

to hold inside whatever is good in me and my fellowman, at least one thought,

a real thought that’s all mine!

No, it’s not me at all, nor am I thinking.

I’m thinking that it’s me, thinking, I am Descartes

and because I am Descartes

I have placed a can under the place where I now am standing and thinking,

to catch an old idea Descartes once had

and promised to save for me.