Inner Voice (Poetry)

Whose is the voice inside
who argues with me what is
wrong or right?
It sounds like me
but isn’t me
whispers its sly truths and
however I might
try to ignore — shut out
its knowing tone
it keeps repeating
good advice — this inner voice
that’s not my own.

And I know that
I should really listen more
to all it has to say —
this cool calm voice
who isn’t me —
(too old and wise
and caring in its way)
it’s calling down the centuries
and echoes find
a resonance —
those familiar chimes
I cannot help but
bring to mind.

I’d like to put a name to it
maybe call it friend —
whoever guides
my thinking in the dark
and keeps me free from crazy
each word it sends
lights a candle somewhere
generates a spark.

Although at times
I question it
I seldom disagree
but just accept
what I’ve been told
is best
(probably)