A Prayer

Teach me, Father, how to goSoftly as the grasses grow;Hush my soul to meet the shockOf the wild world as a rock;But my spirit, propt with power,Make as simple as a flower.Let the dry heart fill its cup,Like a poppy looking up;Let life lightly wear her crown,Like a poppy looking down,When its heart is filled with dew,And its life begins anew.

Teach me, Father, how to beKind and patient as a tree.Joyfully the crickets croonUnder shady oak at noon;Beetle, on his mission bent,Tarries in that cooling tent.Let me, also, cheer a spot,Hidden field or garden grot—Place where passing souls can restOn the way and be their best.