Poems (Sharpless)/Petitions
PETITIONS
Grant unto me, dear Father! grant to me The anointed eye, to seeThy consecrating touch on humble things. The rainbow on the wingsOf the small fly: the beauty that makes fair The creatures of Thy care.May never custom dull the quick delight Of changing day and night;Of kindly glance, and childhood's joyous smile, And all that doth beguileThe spirit from the sordid world awhile.
Sweet is the holy anthem of the thrush In twilight's solemn hush;And sweet the twitter, like low murmurous words, Of the shy, brooding birds;Soft cadences, too intimately dear For careless mortal ear. The wayside herb no less perfection shows Than does the splendid rose;These of God's wondrous book are modest leaves, Which he who well perceivesA web of constant joy about him weaves.
Grant me, oh Gracious Giver that Thou art, An ever-grateful heart,Unchilled by disappointment, quick to heed Those who around me bleed.A heart by hope and faith kept unafraid To meet life undismayed;A loving heart, that through all good and ill Pours forth affection still;A peaceful heart howe'er by tempests driven, Knowing it well hath striven.What need of more to make of earth a heaven?