Saint Ouen

Oh shrive my soul, Belovèd! YesterdayI placed two candles, straight and slim and fairBefore a virgin's altar, kneeling thereFor our united lives and love to pray.Around me the cathedral's stillness lay;The mystery of God was everywhere;Lifting the misty aisles through incensed airUprose the threading pillars, dim and grey.

God heard my prayer: and He forgave my need,If after that day's grace and majestyI fall and pay my sin with bitter cost;—You who have taught me prayer again, and creed,Bend down in dear forgiveness unto me!Shrive me, Beloved! or my soul is lost.