476 <br /> <br />I meant to have but modest needs— <br />Such as Content—and Heaven— <br />Within my income—these could lie <br />And Life and I—keep even— <br /> <br />But since the last—included both— <br />It would suffice my Prayer <br />But just for One—to stipulate— <br />And Grace would grant the Pair— <br /> <br />And so—upon this wise—I prayed— <br />Great Spirit—Give to me <br />A Heaven not so large as Yours, <br />But large enough—for me— <br /> <br />A Smile suffused Jehovah's face— <br />The Cherubim—withdrew— <br />Grave Saints stole out to look at me— <br />And showed their dimples—too— <br /> <br />I left the Place, with all my might— <br />I threw my Prayer away— <br />The Quiet Ages picked it up— <br />And Judgment—twinkled—too— <br />Tat one so honest—be extant— <br />It take the Tale for true— <br />That "Whatsoever Ye shall ask— <br />Itself be given You"— <br /> <br />But I, grown shrewder—scan the Skies <br />With a suspicious Air— <br />As Children—swindled for the first <br />All Swindlers—be—infer—<br /><br />Emily Dickinson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-meant-to-have-but-modest-needs/
