The Standing Joke ORIGINAL

Original one of one artwork, Certificate of Authenticity included.

Mixed media on Arches cold pressed paper 77 x 57 cm.

My thoughts behind this piece

I refuse to eat the food on my plate as long as there is hunger in the world.

For I do not deserve to, as long as others go hungry.

I let the milk in my glass spoil sour,

For I do not deserve a drink as long as others go thirsty.

Since others are piteous, I will make sure that I am too.

Those who do not know me praise me for always putting others' needs ahead of my own.

To all appearances, I am a true altruist.

But truthfully it is my need to hurt myself that takes precedence over everything else.

I help and rescue my loved ones at their expense.

Soon I will notice that every project I take on I leave in a worse state,

and it will confirm my self-image.

I make the world a worse place no matter how much I try to do the opposite,

because my self-inflicted pain, pains  everyone around me.

I do not know that one cannot bring love into the world by hating oneself.

I take every opportunity to suffer as long as there is suffering in the world.

I let all the resources I have for a pleasurable life go to waste,

as long as others live worse than I do.

For I do not deserve well-being as long as others are unwell.

Sincerely,

Martyrdom, the standing joke.