A Prayer, 1922
A Poem by Claude McKay
'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.
