A Prayer

Let me do my work each day;
and if the darkened hours of despair overcome me,
may I not forget the strength that comforted me
in the desolation of other times.

Lift up my eyes from the earth, and let me not forget
the uses of the stars.
Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself.
Let me not follow the clamor of the world,
but walk calmly in my path.

Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am;
and keep ever burning before my vagrant steps
the kindly light of hope.

And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not
within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still
to be thankful for life, and for time’s olden memories
that are good and sweet; and may the evening’s twilight
find me gentle still.

~ Max Ehrmann ~