Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

UNDERSTANDING by ANONYMOUS

First Line: "NOT MORE OF LIGHT I ASK, O GOD"
Last Line: HOW BEST THESE PRECIOUS GIFTS TO USE / THOU HAST BESTOWED ON ME
Subject(s): PRAYER;
Not more of light I ask, O God,
But eyes to see what is:
Not sweeter songs, but ears to hear
The present melodies:
Not more of strength, but how to use
The power that I possess:
Not more of love, but skill to turn
A frown to a caress:
Not more of joy, but how to feel
Its kindly presence near
To give to others all I have
Of courage and of cheer.

No other gifts, dear God, I ask,
But only sense to see
How best these precious gifts to use
Thou hast bestowed on me.



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