Saint Ouen

Oh shrive my soul, Belovèd! Yesterday I placed two candles, straight and slim and fair Before a virgin’s altar, kneeling there For our united lives and love to pray. Around me the cathedral’s stillness lay; The mystery of God was everywhere; Lifting the misty aisles through incensed air Uprose the threading pillars, dim and grey.

God heard my prayer: and He forgave my need, If after that day’s grace and majesty I fall and pay my sin with bitter cost;-- You who have taught me prayer again, and creed, Bend down in dear forgiveness unto me! Shrive me, Belovèd! or my soul is lost.