You’ve only got one single you,
and I can’t say just why that’s so.
Humanity twists forward through
a forward-threading, threaded screw.
I know
because I’ve been here for awhile.
So get to know your You of Now.
The other yous you have on file
are figments of your fancy’s guile
that fill your brow.
Your you of old, your yesteryou,
implores you with his feigned regrets.
Ignore him. He’ll just make you blue.
I think he wants a buck or two
to help him pay his debts.
Your future (future perfect?) you
will certainly have been a hit
from some odd sempiternal view
that would look great if it were true
or if some godhead sanctioned it.
But never mind these phantom you’s!
Your You of Now is all that’s sure.
The others are not there to choose.
The past and future are a ruse.
You will not be because you never were!