"Asking" when does asking
collapse into begging
It happens when the hand
stays out too long
Waiting for a drop of water
to fall into the palm
Drawn from a well that's been
dry so long
I ask my mother a simple question
formulated from a natural need
I don't go any farther than the
act of asking
I do not step across the border
Where a request becomes a plea
Mama became good at fixin'
broken promises of my father
Mending the tears inside me
refusing to sacrifice my dignity
I usually leave the question on the floor
I turn away before it has the chance
to drop me to my knees
For I only give my God my please

