When asking for something big
the survival of a loved one or a love
chutzpah ought to share the stage
with supplication
like Jerry Lewis late in the telethon
when he’d loosen his tie
and stagger-swagger hoarsely
through a sentimental song.
Even Jesus waiting in the garden
for betrayal
complained, recalcitrant
if only for a bit
humility at odds
with the yen to escape
to thrive
“Recipe” was published in the journal, Poetry Motel, Kailua-Kona, HI, 2004.