Prayer

Prayer is the world-plant's purpose, the bright flower, The ultimate meaning of the stem and leaves; The spire of the church; and it receives Such lightening calm as comforts, not aggrieves, And with it brings the fructifying shower.

Prayer is the hand that catcheth hold on peace: The living heart of good and nobleness, Whose pulses are the measure of the stress Wherewith He us doth — we do him — possess; When these do fail, our very lives decrease.

Who uses prayer, a friend shall never miss; If he should slip, a timely staff and kind Placed in his grasp by hands unseen shall find; Sometimes upon his forehead a soft kiss; And arms cast round him gently from behind.