Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE HIGHER GOOD, by THEODORE PARKER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HIGHER GOOD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Father, I will not ask for wealth or fame
Last Line: And lead still further on such as thy kingdom seek.
Subject(s): Prayer; Religion; Theology


FATHER, I will not ask for wealth or fame,
Though once they would have joyed my carnal sense:
I shudder not to bear a hated name,
Wanting all wealth, myself my sole defence.
But give me, Lord, eyes to behold the truth;
A seeing sense that knows the eternal right;
A heart with pity filled, and gentlest ruth;
A manly faith that makes all darkness light:
Give me the power to labor for mankind;
Make me the mouth of such as cannot speak;
Eyes let me be to groping men, and blind;
A conscience to the base; and to the weak
Let me be hands and feet; and to the foolish mind;
And lead still further on such as thy kingdom seek.




Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net