Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FOR SELF-HELP, by ALICE CARY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FOR SELF-HELP, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Master, I do not ask that thou
Last Line: Thy love attested, is my prayer.
Subject(s): Self


MASTER, I do not ask that thou
With milk and wine my table spread,
So much, as for the will to plough
And sow my fields, and earn my bread;
Lest at thy coming I be found
A useless cumberer of the ground.

I do not ask that thou wilt bless
With gifts of heavenly sort my day,
So much, as that my hands may dress
The borders of my lowly way
With constant deeds of good and right,
Thereby reflecting heavenly light.

I do not ask that thou shouldst lift
My feet to mountain-heights sublime,
So much, as for the heavenly gift
Of strength, with which myself may climb,
Making the power thou madest mine
For using, by that use, divine.

I do not ask that there may flow
Glory about me from the skies;
The knowledge, that doth knowledge know;
The wisdom that is not too wise
To see in all things good and fair,
Thy love attested, is my prayer.





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