Asking Poem by Barry Middleton

life sometimes asks too much
the strain is like a yoke
heavy like water
like sand

sometimes people ask too much
pleading for more notice
acknowledgement
a kindly nod

I knew one who did not ask much
he held his tarnished cup
he touched the wall
he blew his pipe

blind from birth this gentle man
owned nothing of great value
the little that he had
he gladly shared

in time we learn what not to ask
we grow to value devotion
in our circumstances
and in our gods

an austere dearth of neediness
comforts the aged ones
the lucky aged ones
who find wisdom

others will die asking and demanding
more money or love or fame
another grasping day
of stolen breath