Poems (Van Vorst)/Saint Ouen
SAINT OUEN
Oh shrive my soul, Belovèd! Yesterday I placed two candles, straight and slim and fair Before a virgin's altar, kneeling there For 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 air Uprose the threading pillars, dim and grey.
God heard my prayer: and He forgave my need,If after that day's grace and majesty I 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.