Poems (Sharpless)/Petitions

by Frances M. Sharpless

PETITIONS

Grant unto me, dear Father! grant to me
   The anointed eye, to see
Thy consecrating touch on humble things.
   The rainbow on the wings
Of 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 beguile
The 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 perceives
A 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?