What I Want For You

You came to my door at midnight
     asking for snakes
I’m sorry, but I have no snakes for you
     I am not sleeping
But no, I have no snakes for you

You came to my door at one
     asking for scorpions
I’m sorry, but I have no scorpions for you
     I am still not sleeping
But no, there are no scorpions to be had

You came to my door at two
     asking for stones
I’m sorry, but I have no stones for you
     I am awake as awake can be
But don’t you want something better than stones?

You came to my door at three
     asking for fish
I’m sorry, but I don’t have fish for you
     I do not drowse at that hour
But you’ll just have to wait if you want fish

You came to my door at four
     asking for an egg
That might lead to something
     as I fire my ovens
But don’t scorpions hatch from eggs?

You came to my door at five
     asking for bread
Ah! Now there is something I am about
     and I will be baking soon
But no bread, no—not yet

You came to my door at six
     again asking for bread
I admire your persistence, but no—
     my hands are in the dough
Are you only concerned about yourself?

You came to my door throughout the day
     seeking bread for your guests
When the baking was done I gave you a basket
     and I was happy to do so
But when will it dawn on you to ask for more?

You don’t darken my door at any hour
     asking for the gift of my spirit
which is all I have ever wanted for you—
     not eggs or fish or snakes or scorpions
But to everyone who asks, I give—without delay

Then when you come to my door at midnight
     and ask for bread
I will say, Yes—Come in and join me
     You see, the door has always been opened
and you and I shall share a loaf, and the cup