Prayer for the Street Urchin

A drink of water,

A handful of rice,

A patch of roof,

A pinch of salt.

Lord above, hear

This beggar’s prayer,

Drop me a small

Coin of care.

In this lovely city

Of flickering night,

The unkempt darkness

Is my only bed.

From the sky hang

The stars of my dreams,

Please let fall

A moment’s sleep.

From morning’s window

The tattered sun peeps,

Then the pious widows

Will rise and flock to church.

Those who hope for nothing,

At nothing will stare,

Lord God above,

Spare me a glimpse!

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