Originally published June 2016.

“Oh Paradox”

by Emily Dobberstein

Oh Paradox, you wretch

with your whispers that stretch

across chaos and chasms

that leave my mind vexed.

You call my heart near

with your snicker and sneer,

and tempt me with answers,

but I end in tears.

Are you a lie,

or are you an ally?

Do you lead me forth

to find life, or to die?

For all I can see

is that you might not be

anything at all

but contradictory.