A Lenten Prayer

the Desert Fathers
and Dallas Willard
say I should start each day
with a prayer:
that my will
would subside
to God’s

but the Desert Fathers
never faced a cute Kindergartener
at the crack of dawn
brandishing her own will
making the case
that the birthday party last night
did not include any dessert
therefore she deserves
at least one cupcake
immediately
and urgently

cupcake container pressed to my face
as she presses her case
strained whisper
pretending to care
about those who yet sleep
the promise of fresh waffles
wholly insufficient

Lord, have mercy
Dallas Willard, forgive me
Desert Fathers, go back to your caves
Amen