A libation for a month of penances.

I offer you thirty days of hunger,

of thirst, of gnawing abstinences.

You ask for thirty continuous days,  

Yet let Catholics stagger theirs in Lent

and fish-ful days. The Jews you allow ways

on their weekly Sabbath to repent.

I fast not because you ask me to.

I prostrate because I need to pray.

I sleep less than I am wont to do,

Eat less, speak less, and end each day

With an overdue obeisance to you.

19.6.15