Privation -- 
All that we don't have -- 
Adds up to nothing. 
The comfort we give others 
Means more in this mortal life: 
All the burdens eased, 
And the sorrows borne 
In silence. 

What we say 
Slanted afternoons 
When hurt streams in doors 
And the sun stands in judgment 
Marking out the boundaries 
Of where our misdeeds 
Place final limits 
On our reach 

Wanting just 
To escape the heat 
A little