I am slow to fast
but I think I shall do so
tomorrow, when it is more convenient
to my schedule.

Yes, tomorrow rather fits into my plans
much better, so I think God
will be quite amenable
to my adjustment
when I opt to rinse away my sins
on a timetable of my choosing.

When I do deign to diet
for my 24 hours
as my fealty and faith
feel importantly about
I shall be drinking copiously
to drown away all my crimes
against the Good Book
in the upcoming year.

This flushing out the system
is my own addition to the canon
and I think it’s great:
every drop of urine I squeeze
from every glass of water I swallow
seems a perfect symbol,
a poignant part of the process.

And think:
this exciting process
of fasting will start soon.
Just not today.