Favor

We are all 

hungry

for favor

that someone may 

look at us 

and see our gifts

and say we have

done well

that we have played 

the cards

according to the 

wisest strategy 

that we have made

the best use

of our powers

whatever they are

that we have eyes

like dark pools 

shining with effulgent light

and our tangled hair

is like the tree branches

where the forest

is left unspoiled 

that we are good 

and they have made us

a place at the table

of the honored

and the best-beloved 

that they wait 

to hold us 

in their arms.