English poem
TO-DAY.
by Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914)
I saw a man who knelt in prayer, And heard him say: "I'll lay my inmost spirit bare To-day.
"Lord, for to-morrow and its need I do not pray; Let me upon my neighbor feed To-day.
"Let me my duty duly shirk And run away From any form or phase of work To-day.
"From Thy commands exempted still Let me obey The promptings of my private will To-day.
"Let me no word profane, no lie Unthinking say If anyone is standing by To-day.
"My secret sins and vices grave Let none betray; The scoffer's jeers I do not crave To-day.
"And if to-day my fortune all Should ebb away, Help me on other men's to fall To-day.
"So, for to-morrow and its mite I do not pray; Just give me everything in sight To-day."
I cried: "Amen!" He rose and ran Like oil away. I said: "I've seen an honest man To-day."