She needs her guilt. She has to feel that sink
of self-esteem that pushes her to wilt.
Erect she’s off. No matter what you think,
she needs her guilt.

Pathology has brought her to a tilt
without an avenue except to brink
of darkness where her possibles are spilt.

And so she clutches, winces, tries to blink
away the tears that stain the walls she’s built.
To justify and earn another drink,
she needs her guilt.

(Roundel)