Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HEAR ME, O ALLAH!, by GEORGE SEIBEL


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HEAR ME, O ALLAH!, by                    
First Line: I would not be too happy nor too rich
Last Line: Neither a saint nor sinner let me die!
Subject(s): God; Humility; Prayer; Wisdom


I would not be too happy nor too rich;
Something to get and something to enjoy
To-morrow let me covet -- something which,
If mine to-day, would weary, stale, and cloy.

I would not be too righteous, and forget
The taste of apples as I fly the sword;
Let me revere the rigid law, and yet
Sit with the sinner at his merry board.

I would not seem in form or face above
My fellow man, but like the common run;
Despite these freckles win a little love,
And know it was not by my barber won.

I would not grow too wise, and lose the touch
With all this foolish world, so fair and sweet;
Grant me a little wisdom -- not too much --
But keep me human, young, and incomplete.

All things in pleasant moderation give --
Evil and good, in turn to sell and buy;
Neither a king nor caitiff let me live;
Neither a saint nor sinner let me die!





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