I Meant to Have but Modest Needs
poem 476
I Meant to Have but Modest Needs - meaning Summary
Modest Prayer, Unexpected Largesse
The speaker says she intended only modest needs — contentment and a small heaven — and prays for a modest, personal blessing. The divine response is unexpectedly affectionate and generous, prompting surprise and almost playful public notice. Having been given more than she asked, the speaker grows wary and begins to watch the skies with suspicion, like a child who has been deceived, unsure whether future gifts can be trusted.
Read Complete AnalysesI meant to have but modest needs Such as Content and Heaven Within my income these could lie And Life and I keep even But since the last included both It would suffice my Prayer But just for One to stipulate And Grace would grant the Pair And so upon this wise I prayed Great Spirit Give to me A Heaven not so large as Yours, But large enough for me A Smile suffused Jehovah’s face The Cherubim withdrew Grave Saints stole out to look at me And showed their dimples too I left the Place, with all my might I threw my Prayer away The Quiet Ages picked it up And Judgment twinkled too Tat one so honest be extant It take the Tale for true That Whatsoever Ye shall ask Itself be given You But I, grown shrewder scan the Skies With a suspicious Air As Children swindled for the first All Swindlers be infer
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