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...JASPER by DONALD (GRADY) DAVIDSON TO THE MEMORY OF INEZ MILHOLLAND by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON A MID-DAY DREAMER by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON AQUATINT FRAMED IN GOLD by AMY LOWELL THE CRESCENT MOON by AMY LOWELL SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: WILLIAM JONES by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |