the job of wanting

the job of wanting
is earning me less
than the vocation of having

turn my eyes backward in my head
seeking someone, something
some substance or situation
to feed that need

nothing will do

and this work I do
rather than putting food on the table
has stolen bread
from my mouth

I look at an empty cupboard
my salt shaker
the only thing full
and all the water
I don't have
can't compensate
my growing thirst