water

drink some water

i have watched kings pour fire into crystal, calling it wine

i have watched fools drink potions not for need, but for forgetfulness

but water, ah, water is different

water asks nothing of you

it neither flatters nor deceives

why drink water?

it is what the body asks for, and nothing more

wine clouds the mind

honeyed drinks flatter the tongue but do not serve the bones

let those who chase pleasure chase their cups

necessity ends where luxury begins

and luxury, though sweet, leaves the mind hungry

it teaches you to expect more, to need more

to fill a hole will always be hollow

until you are no longer free

"we corrupt even our thirst" as Seneca said

water frees you

it asks no gold, no ritual, no disguise

if flows through the world unowned, unadorned

yet sustains life in every form

tea, too, is water dressed in leaves

sip as the stars pass

let steam rise like thought, then disappear

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