O soul! However sweet <br />The goal to which I hasten with swift feet- <br /> If, just within my grasp, <br /> I reach, and joy to clasp, <br />And find there one whose body I must make <br /> A footstool for that sake, <br />Though ever and forevermore denied, <br /> Grant me to turn aside! <br /> <br /> O, howsoever dear <br />The love I long for, seek, and find anear- <br /> So near, so dear, the bliss <br /> Sweetest of all that is, <br />If I must win by treachery or art, <br /> Or wrong one other heart, <br />Thought it should bring me death, my soul, that day <br /> Grant me to turn away! <br /> <br /> That in the life so far <br />And yet so near, I be without a scar <br />Of wounds dealt others! Greet with lifted eyes <br /> The pure of Paradise! <br /> So I may never know <br />The agony of tears I caused to flow!<br /><br />Ina D. Coolbrith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-prayer-a-prayer-for-strength/
