Poems (Dorr)/Quietness

by Julia Caroline Dorr

QUIETNESS

I would be quiet, Lord, Nor tease, nor fret;Not one small need of mine Wilt Thou forget.

I am not wise to know What most I need;I dare not cry too loud Lest Thou shouldst heed:

Lest Thou at length shouldst say, "Child, have thy will;As thou hast chosen, lo! Thy cup I fill!"

What I most crave, perchance Thou wilt withhold,As we from hands unmeet Keep pearls, or gold;

As we, when childish hands Would play with fire,Withhold the burning goal Of their desire.

Yet choose Thou for me—Thou Who knowest best;This one short prayer of mine Holds all the rest!