Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BE MERCIFUL, by JOHN THOMAS MCFARLAND



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BE MERCIFUL, by                    
First Line: Once ran my prayer as runs the brook
Last Line: Be merciful, o god, to me!
Subject(s): Prayer


Once ran my prayer as runs the brook
O'er pebbles and through sunny meads;
No pain my inmost spirit shook,
Words broke in shallows of small needs.

But now the shadows on me lie,
Deep-cut the channel of the years;
And prayer is but a sobbing cry
Through whitened lips and falling tears.

Not glibly, but with broken speech,
O God, my God, I pray to Thee;
Enough if now I may beseech,
Be merciful, O God, to me!





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