I Have a Self

I have a self.
I know this.
When I close my eyes,
And look within,
As my philosophy professor
Tells me to do so,
I can see her.

She stands,
Strongly,
Smiling bravely,
Even as streams of blood
Leak from holes and scratches
Across her body.

And every experience,
Rather than adding to a "bundle,"
Adds a scratch
Or a bandage.
That strong core
Will always be there.
Her smile will shift,
Her stance change,
But she will always be the same.