I have gone backward in the work, <br /> The labour has not sped, <br />Drowsy and dark my spirit lies, <br /> Heavy and dull as lead. <br />How can I rouse my sinking soul <br /> From such a lethargy? <br />How can I break these iron chains, <br /> And set my spirit free? <br /> <br />There have been times when I have mourned, <br /> In anguish o'er the past; <br />And raised my suppliant hands on high, <br /> While tears fell thick and fast, <br /> <br />And prayed to have my sins forgiven <br /> With such a fervent zeal, <br />An earnest grief --- a strong desire <br /> That now I cannot feel! <br /> <br />And vowed to trample on my sins, <br /> And called on Heaven to aid <br />My spirit in her firm resolves <br /> And hear the vows I made. <br /> <br />And I have felt so full of love, <br /> So strong in spirit then, <br />As if my heart would never cool <br /> Or wander back again. <br /> <br />And yet, alas! how many times <br /> My feet have gone astray, <br />How oft have I forgot my God, <br /> How greatly fallen away! <br /> <br />My sins increase, my love grows cold, <br /> And Hope within me dies, <br />And Faith itself is wavering now, <br /> O how shall I arise! <br /> <br />I cannot weep but I can pray, <br /> Then let me not despair; <br />Lord Jesus, save me lest I die, <br /> And hear a wretch's prayer.<br /><br />Anne Brontë<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/despondency/
