A Heart's Prayer

A prayer is in my thoughts to-night
I hardly dare to say:
"Lord, put my wishes all to flight,
Nor let me have my way!"

I dare not say it, Lord, for fear
My heart I may mistake;
So many earthly things are dear,
Perhaps, for earth's own sake.

Nor can I think that Thou art glad
In life despoiled of bloom,
Since for all joy the words have had
Thyself hast opened room.

And yet the poison plant, so fair,
So like the wholesome grows,
To pluck my flower I will not dare,
But trust His hand who knows.

And this, indeed, is life's best thing, —
To take sweet gifts from Thee!
If Thou some dark, sealed bud shouldst bring,
It must hold light for me.

In sadness I withheld my prayer,
Hid under trembling fear;
In praise it blossoms, unaware,
Because the sun is near.

My heart Thou wilt not crush or chill:
"Lead into Thine my way!
Through all my wishes breathe Thy will!"
This prayer to-night I say.