War and Love/Prayer (1)

by Richard Aldington

For works with similar titles, see Prayer.

 

PRAYER

I am a garden of red tulipsAnd late daffodils and bay-hedges,A small sunk gardenAbout an oblong poolWith three grey lead Dutch tanks—I am this garden shattered and blownWith a day-long western galeAnd bursts of rapid rain.

There are dank petals in the ruffled waters,And muddy flowers upon the path.The grass is covered with torn leaves.

God of gardens, dear small god of gardens,Grant me faint glow of sunlight,A last bird hopping in the quiet haze,Then let the night swoop swiftly,Fold round and crush out lifeFor ever.