when I say "please" am I asking or begging am I being respectful or begging for a chance to be heard what does “please” mean what does “please” get me besides practiced patience and almost things is "please" really a thing or a way to slap a pretty bow on a package of desperation a polite way to address hunger when did I learn to put please after every stomach ache growl and grumble as if wanting and needing requires permission like if I say "please" the world might finally say yes to me as if wanting is something to apologize for maybe that’s how come so many of us starve with full plates in front of us some things are not prizes some things are not payment some things were meant to meet our needs not meant to be begged for healing begins the moment we no longer have to to say "please" can I breathe

