by Steven Wingate
If I hew to your word
and give of myself
what then is left? The husk
of a dry, unsatisfying tamale, or the shell
of a disappointing sunflower seed
too small and flavorless
to please the eater?
The eater is you: Let there be
no mistaking this.
All tamales and sunflower seeds
all varieties of food
representing all varieties of people
flow to you
tributaries seeking their intended ocean
and will be judged
fit or unfit to please you.
(Our kind once knew this
and must learn this again.)
If I hew to your word
and give of myself
and am still found wanting
I will weep and gnash teeth
away from your light
and call to you that day
praying you’ll strip off my husk
so I’ll finally offer the self beneath it
to a purpose I can’t understand
but must trust
and hoping this
is what satisfies you
more than sweetness or savor.