Sonnet #400

 We pray all wrong, but at least we pray

We love all wrong, but at least we try

Give credit for effort for sometimes we lie

To ourselves about our needs: we say

To god the things we need to say to someone

Instead of him, and to someone we speak for

What we think we are supposed to long for

Instead of what we truly carry, afraid the one

We hope to love will only love us back

If we sound like we are praying and god

Will be the only one to bear what we can’t shake 

We try; listen when they speak and nod

When god tells you what your beloved should

And when your beloved pretends to be as good