Individuality

Everyone cares, ultimately, about themselves. It must be, after all, the way of life. It's not selfish, it's just a matter of priorities. In the end, it is your life that will change and be altered, and it is you that will suffer the consequences of your decisions. Beware of your own self, because even love can be just a method for some to feel better about themselves.

To further elaborate, here's a poem I wrote about Esteban Trueba from Allende's novel; "The House of the Spirits".

Beyond Betrayal

My one and only Rosa died,

This world she left in a blink of an eye,

As something so low; as a political bride…

By a poisonous brandy, she was beguiled—

Therefore, here I am, numbed by pain,

Wishing her death to be nothing but a game.

A mermaid she now resembles with her green hair,

And her body remains as delicate as her name.

Oh, I can never forget her beautiful demeanor,

As I watched her for the first time — charmed!

I knew ever since; without her touch, I will not live,

Without her body next to mine, Esteban Trueba will not rest!

For that, I have decided to leave for work.

Oh, I have bled for her sake —her position—

Like a little boy, I hoped to stumble upon gold,

To be one of them, to be with her, for I’m proud.

No, pride is not a sin, but a path to win,

To win respect, power, and to quench my thirst.

I will not be that boy wrapped in paper and filth!

Such shameful memories of poverty will cease to exist.

And now that there is no Rosa in my world,

I desire nothing as much as an escape route.

And so in Tres Marias, I thought my fate awaits.

I set foot and took charge in that barren land;

Transforming it into a place of servants and wealth,

To outlive the past of my father and those who came within…

Then came a night, when my body ached with lust,

And I realized the Del Valle ghost haunts me still.

So I went to those in puberty, and took their chastity away,

In their darkened eyes, I saw accusations of infinite rape.

Despite all, I was and will always remain their good patrón,

For everything I’ve done helped them cope.

Now I stand before my beginning and wonder…

My love betrayed me, so to her sister I turn — will she suffice?