I shall no longer bind my heart to pain, To days grown old. And I shall call it sin To clutch my griefs and piningly complain, Thus deadening pride; and thinking I may win Another's sympathy -- a coward's choice, A weakness only fit for spineless men And servile fools. Henceforth I raise my voice In gratitude for this new freedom. Then I sow no more the seeds of grief and shame -- From spirit soil a spirit grain I reap. I may regain what's lost of place and name, And hold through life the values life should keep. Save me from self, my Soul; and lead me far -- Lift up these eyes to Faith's true guiding star. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OLNEY HYMNS: 9. THE CONTRITE HEART by WILLIAM COWPER WISHES TO HIS SUPPOSED MISTRESS by RICHARD CRASHAW THE CHURCH-PORCH by GEORGE HERBERT NO SONGS IN WINTER by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE HUSBAND'S PETITION by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN |