Father: -- The way is hard, and I am torn by doubt, Confused by theories, dulled by the long grind Of work and worry, loneliness and grief. God, can You hear above this dust and din? They say You once were man, and knew man's pain -- Can you remember that far agony, And, out of pity, grant this prayer to me? Grant me a quiet spot within my soul -- Like a green refuge in the forest's heart -- Walled round with silence, dim and sweet and cool -- Where I can hide myself, sometimes, away From all the heat and clamor of my life. A quiet spot, where memories may come As dappled deer come down the forest aisles, Drifting like shadows through the sun-shot gloom -- So may my memories pass, without a pang, Leaving me quickened by their loveliness. Then, as a weary traveler slips within The still green crystal of some forest pool, So may I slip within a pool of peace And cleanse myself of all the dust and strife And hate and greed and prickling conceit. And then lie still -- forgetful for a while Of my sick self and all its noisy doubt. So, dreaming, may I slowly come to feel Your friendly Presence, brooding all about -- And catch some shining glimpse of Your great plan, And, for an instant, feel my hand in Yours. Because You were a man and knew man's pain, Because You were a man and knew man's fear, And all man's tire and loneliness and grief, Give me this secret space where I may rest -- Then, having rested, help me go once more To face the challenge of this thing called life, And make as good a showing as I may In those hard tasks You've given me to do. This is my prayer -- Grant it, I pray, oh God -- @3For once, they tell me, you were tired too.@1 | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EPITAPH FOR A SOLDIER by DAVID IGNATOW SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: MAGRADY GRAHAM by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: REV. LEMUEL WILEY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SONG OF THE MOON by CLAUDE MCKAY A HYMN OF HATE by DOROTHY PARKER |