Some familiarity is found when comparing oil and toothpaste. I need toothpaste daily. The tube in my cupboard once held a large amount, easily obtained.

I squeezed and watched with pleasure as the paste poured out. Lately, however, it has been more difficult. I know it is there but it’s harder to find and is discovered only with significant effort. Recognition of my depleting reserves occurred some time ago, but my concern has been buffered, for each day the paste ultimately arrives. Even now, when the tube is flat and worn, I know that extreme pressure near the nozzle will produce “white gold”. Sadly, such effort produces false hope, for experience reminds me that one day even that will stop. My supply will run dry. © Jason DeVries, Lindstrom, Minnesota