(A Prayer)
Let me do my work each day;
and if the darkened hours
of despair overcome me,
may I not forget the strength
that comforted me
in the desolation of other times.
May I still remember the bright hours
that found me walking over the silent hills
of my childhood, or dreaming on the margin
of a quiet river, when a light glowed within me,
promise me my God to have courage
amid the tempests of the changing years.
Spare me from bitterness
and from the sharp passions
of
unguarded moments.
May I not forget
that poverty and riches are of the spirit.
Though the world knows me not,
may my thoughts and actions be such as
shall keep me friendly with myself.
Lift up my eyes from the earth,
and let me not forget the uses of the stars.
Forbid that I should judge others
lest I condemn myself.
Let me not follow the clamor of the world,
but walk calmly in my path.
Give me a few friends
who will love me for what I am;
and keep ever burning
before my vagrant steps
the kindly light of hope.
And though age and infirmity overtake me,
and I come not within sight of the castle
of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful
for life,
and for time's olden
memories
that are good and sweet; and may
the evening's
twilight find me gentle still.
~Author Anon~
Photo: East Beach, Kiama
September 25, 2018
