Good

On Monday, he was diligent. He exercised at dawn, was productive at work, and ate his vegetables. That night the Voice asked, Were you Good? Yes. I was.

On Tuesday, he woke up late. He was not satisfied with his exercise, he was fatigued at work, and he had sweets after his vegetables. The Voice asked, Are you Good? I will be better.

On Wednesday, he got up with his alarm but had slept little. He exercised, made a terrible mistake at work and was reprimanded. He did not eat. The Voice asked, Do you call this Good? No.

On Thursday, He slept not at all. He did not exercise, he barely made it to work on time, he ate everything but vegetables. The Voice asked again, Are you Good? I am not.

On Friday, he was late to work. He spoke to none of his coworkers and counted the minutes until he could leave. He binged. The Voice said, You are a disgrace. I am a worm.

On Saturday, the Voice had him all to itself. You are a lout. I am. You are feeble. I am. You are craven. I am. You are an imbecile. I am. You are undisciplined. I am. You are talentless. I am. You are disgusting. I am. You are worthless. I am. I am. I am.

On Sunday, he lay motionless and desired to be nothing. The Voice’s work was done. 

Yet, a Whisper inquired, What are you? 

He replied, Soiled rags. 

No. 

I am grave dirt. 

False. 

It is true.

You are Good, My dear, you are Good and your exercise and your work and your vegetables have no bearing on this fact: you are Good because you are Good. 

I am a vile thing. 

The Whisper was not deterred and all through the night breathed in his ear, You are Good, you are Good, you are Good as you are.