the shepherd’s purse

the first word is more, a life-long curse
reaching, seeking the shepherd’s purse
step by step, each heart a promise
“I offer you my all,” is no solace

can you staunch the bleeding of a wound that craves?
would you punish the one wanting, to make her behave?

the seed you plant comes back to eat
where envy lust and greed do meet
a little more, a little farther
deprivation wears the finest armor

humours balanced, shelter made
five stones or the giant’s blade
the shepherd’s purse, frost-hardy, tough
it grows, it’s plenty, and never enough