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1866–1932

ARE YOU YOU?

Edmund Vance Cooke

Are you a writer, or that which is worded? Are you a shepherd, or one of the herded? Which are you — a What or a Who? It sounds well to call yourself “one of the flock,”

But a sheep is a sheep after all. At the block You're nothing but mutton, or possibly stock. Would you flavor a stew? Are you a being and boss of your soul?

Or are you a mummy to carry a scroll? Are you Somebody Else, or You? When you finally pass to the heavenly wicket Where Peter the Scrutinous stands on his picket,

Are you going to give him a blank for a ticket? Do you think it will do?

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ARE YOU YOU? · Edmund Vance Cooke · Poetry Cove