| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 545. A Last Prayer |
| | | By Helen Fiske Jackson (“H. H.”) |
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| 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; | |
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| So clear I see that things I thought | 5 |
| Were right or harmless were a sin; | |
| So clear I see that I have sought, | |
| Unconscious, selfish aims to win; | |
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| So clear I see that I have hurt | |
| The souls I might have helped to save; | 10 |
| That I have slothful been, inert, | |
| Deaf to the calls thy leaders gave. | |
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| In outskirts of thy kingdoms vast, | |
| Father, the humblest spot give me; | |
| Set me the lowliest task thou hast; | 15 |
| Let me repentant work for thee! | |
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