Poems (Rowe)/A Child's Prayer
A CHILD'S PRAYER
STRETCHED on the bed of suffering I lay, As weak and helpless as a new-born child; Strength from my limbs seemed ebbing fast away, I felt it leave me, still I only smiled.
So changed was I! Once had come upon me, Great tremblings when on Death a thought I gave, Now longed for him to set my spirit free, To join my Mother in the silent grave.
No single pang of sorrow did I feel At leaving those I fondly loved behind; I felt a numbness o'er my senses steal, And cherished hopes I willingly resigned.
Then at that moment Memory arose, With clearest light presented my past life, Each sinful thought and act before me rose, And pricked my Conscience sharper than a knife.
I saw with shame how talents God had giv'n To be improved were wasted, misapplied; 'Gainst temptation little had I striven, But yielded passively, and only sighed.
And as I gazed a fearful shuddering Crept o'er me. Methought I heard a voice say "What shall th'account be like that thou wilt bring Unto thy Maker on the Judgement Day?"
Ah! Then I felt afraid to die! A prayer That I might live ascended up on high, To expiate the past, my soul prepare For its celestial home above the sky.