Teach me, Father, how to go <br />Softly as the grasses grow; <br />Hush my soul to meet the shock <br />Of the wild world as a rock; <br />But my spirit, propt with power, <br />Make as simple as a flower. <br />Let the dry heart fill its cup, <br />Like a poppy looking up; <br />Let life lightly wear her crown <br />Like a poppy looking down, <br />When its heart is filled with dew, <br />And its life begins anew. <br /> <br />Teach me, Father, how to be <br />Kind and patient as a tree. <br />Joyfully the crickets croon <br />Under the shady oak at noon; <br />Beetle, on his mission bent, <br />Tarries in that cooling tent. <br />Let me, also, cheer a spot, <br />Hidden field or garden grot— <br />Place where passing souls can rest <br />On the way and be their best.<br /><br />Edwin Markham<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-prayer-72/
