The Book of American Negro Poetry/The Teacher
THE TEACHER
Lord, who am I to teach the way To little children day by day, So prone myself to go astray?
I teach them Knowledge, but I know How faint they flicker and how low The candles of my knowledge glow.
I teach them Power to will and do, But only now to learn anew My own great weakness through and through.
I teach them Love for all mankind And all God's creatures, but I find My love comes lagging far behind.
Lord, if their guide I still must be, Oh let the little children see The teacher leaning hard on Thee.