Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Helen FiskeJackson

545 A Last Prayer

FATHER, I scarcely dare to pray,

So clear I see, now it is done,

That I have wasted half my day,

And left my work but just begun;

So clear I see that things I thought

Were right or harmless were a sin;

So clear I see that I have sought,

Unconscious, selfish aims to win;

So clear I see that I have hurt

The souls I might have helped to save;

That I have slothful been, inert,

Deaf to the calls thy leaders gave.

In outskirts of thy kingdoms vast,

Father, the humblest spot give me;

Set me the lowliest task thou hast;

Let me repentant work for thee!