Claude McKay

A Prayer

’Mid the discordant noises of the day I hear thee calling; 
I stumble as I fare along Earth’s way; keep me from falling. 

Mine eyes are open but they cannot see for gloom of night: 
I can no more than lift my heart to thee for inward light. 

The wild and fiery passion of my youth consumes my soul; 
In agony I turn to thee for truth and self-control. 

For Passion and all the pleasures it can give will die the death; 
But this of me eternally must live, thy borrowed breath. 

’Mid the discordant noises of the day I hear thee calling; 
I stumble as I fare along Earth’s way; keep me from falling.