you dare
to complain?  you lament
that you dwell
in the midst of difficulty?
you have always lived
in the midst
of difficulty

in the grip of pain?
always there is cause
and presence of pain

in the heart of every desire
there is the stubborn one
refusing desire
recognize her

at the core of each gift
there is a trap
that grips
at the center of each loss
joyful release

remember, you
are the thief
who has hidden
the key
                        3/30/2005