I prayed for riches, and achieved success; <br /> All that I touched turned into gold. Alas! <br />My cares were greater and my peace was less, <br /> When that wish came to pass. <br /> <br />I prayed for glory, and I heard my name <br /> Sung by sweet children and by hoary men. <br />But ah! the hurts – the hurts that come with fame. <br /> I was not happy then. <br /> <br />I prayed for Love, and had my heart’s desire. <br /> Through quivering heart and body, and through brain, <br />There swept the flame of its devouring fire, <br /> And but the scars remain. <br /> <br />I prayed for a contented mind. At length <br /> Great light upon my darkened spirit burst. <br />Great peace fell on me also, and great strength – <br /> Oh, had that prayer been first!<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/answered-prayers/
