Poems of Pleasure — Answered Prayers

ANSWERED PRAYERS.

I prayed for riches, and achieved success;

All that I touched turned into gold.

Alas!

My cares were greater and my peace was less, When that wish came to pass.

I prayed for glory, and I heard my name Sung by sweet children and by hoary men.

But ah!

the hurts--the hurts that come with fame I was not happy then.

I prayed for Love, and had my heart’s desire.

Through quivering heart and body, and through brain There swept the flame of its devouring fire, And but the scars remain.

I prayed for a contented mind.

At length Great light upon my darkened spirit burst.

Great peace fell on me also, and great strength-- Oh, had that prayer been first!