To Keep a True Lent

Is this a fast, to keep

The larder lean?

And clean

From fat of veals and sheep?

Is it to quit the dish
 Of flesh, yet still

To fill

The platter high with fish?

Is it to fast an hour,
 Or ragged to go,

Or show
    A downcast look and sour?

No, 'tis a fast to dole
  Thy sheaf of wheat,
And meat
 Unto the hungry soul.

It is to fast from strife,
  From old debate
 And hate
To circumcise thy life.

  To show a heart grief rent,
To starve thy sin,
 Not bin,

    And that's to keep thy lent. 

by Robert Herrick, (1591 - 1674)

This is one of Ele Richardson's favorite poems.