One can only be rebuffed every time

before one begins, now tentatively,

later with real zeal, to anticipate

the formation of a new permanence;

hard, coarse, cool to the touch. How is it fair 

that this enforcement of denial should 

last precisely too long, at last leaving 

one both exasperated and relieved,

and at the same time precisely as long

as the relentless denier dictates? 

“Give what you need, and you shall receive it,” 

and when that fails, give what you need 

until you forget all about yourself,

one of enlightened or a vegetable.