Classical Therapy II

(Kisaeng)

My therapist tells me to get undressed
I need to be cleansed of all that troubles me
A good cleaning will free my
jammed up soul.
Naked before my therapist
I am doused with warm water
and scrubbed with soap
my privates especially are cleaned
The ego between my legs,
bare and clean
is the precise site my therapist treats
like a Zen buddhist queen
she tells me ego is nothing
I laugh
I tell her not to hurt my feelings
all I want is love
She tells me "the ego only sees illusion."


[February 1998; Revised, April 1999]