The present subjunctive is rare in modern English, surviving largely in elevated rhetoric.
Yet, when inspired to throw down a Latin rock song on revenge (especially one which references an anecdote about Caesar’s interrupted rhetorical training) I decided that the phrase “if i be” made the best title, despite its unusual grammatical mood.
take time, make me _into what you want, me
__into what you need
break me down _into fine pieces, grind me
__so you feed, i bleed
and if i be less hungry _will that make me less real?
and if i be less angry _will you still let me feel?
twist me, play me _in my trust, betray me
__with your trash, your fear
and i keep my silence _even words are violence
__in your twisted ear
and if i be less hungry _will that make me less real?
and if i be less angry _will you still let me feel?
release in anger _what you want no longer
__you may meet again
because, like a ransomed Caesar
_i’ll return much stronger __i’ll return my pain
and if i be less hungry _will that make me less real?
and if i be less angry _will you still let me feel?
