Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ST. FRANCIS' PRAYER, by GERALD L. CLARK


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ST. FRANCIS' PRAYER, by                    
First Line: At home the youthful francis prayed
Last Line: "expel all human love."
Subject(s): Love; Prayer


AT home the youthful Francis prayed:
"Give me not wealth galore,
Unless, sweet Lord, thou givest too
A love of Thine own poor.

But, Lord, I still would ask of Thee
Those other riches fair—
Of Thy choice grace which Thou alone
With Saints art wont to share.

I would not Lord nor wouldst Thou have
That after loving Thee,
I raze from out my heart all thought
Of poor humanity.

There was a sacred bush of old
Wrapped round with flaring fire,
Nor yet with all the flames' white heat
Did it consume the briar.

So, Lord, send to my frigid heart
The love flame from above,
But do not from my human heart
Expel all human love."





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