First.

I came to the Teacher,
cold and empty.
His words gathered in me—
in the ear,
the chest,
the eager mind.

I watched
sparrows, unburdened,
lilies, bright without effort.

I opened my hands
to receive the promise.
Still, I was cold.
Still, I was empty.

Many ask for a sign,
bread, warmth,
something to trade for belief.

But the Teacher said,
Seek.

First.

What rises in the heart—
wanting,
or kneeling?

There is a righteousness
that does not warm the skin
or fill the belly.

Only this:
what is given
is not taken,

but added.