Begging

  Oh, God, my neighbor begs for bread,
 but, empty, I have none to give.
 Rain down your manna on our heads
 that both of us may eat and live.
  
 My son has asked me for an egg,
 but oh, my heart gives naught but stone.
 Give me your tenderness, I beg,
 you who supply us, you alone.
  
 My daughter asks me for a fish,
 but all I have are serpent's lies.
 God, pour the cup and fill the dish;
 give us the feast that sanctifies.
 
  I have no gift to give the world,
 to nurture all its wounds and needs.
 I nothing have but you, my Lord,
 who hears the whole earth as it pleads:

“Give us our daily bread, but more,
 give us the justice that we seek:
uneaten bread is for the poor;
 the earth itself is for the meek!

“Give us your word's fulfillment, Lord;
 give us the king who rides an ass.
 Let mercy's dregs on us be poured,
 and all your perfect judgment pass!”

Give ear to all the begging world,
 and as you'd have me answer, give.
 No strength but yours in me stands furled;
 no life but yours can let us live.