I Will Arise.

Weary and weak, - accept my weariness;     Weary and weak and downcast in my soul,     With hope growing less and less,     And with the goal     Distant and dim, - accept my sore distress.     I thought to reach the goal so long ago,     At outset of the race I dreamed of rest,     Not knowing what now I know     Of breathless haste,     Of long-drawn straining effort across the waste.     One only thing I knew, Thy love of me;     One only thing I know, Thy sacred same     Love of me full and free,     A craving flame     Of selfless love of me which burns in Thee.     How can I think of thee, and yet grow chill;     Of Thee, and yet grow cold and nigh to death?     Re-energize my will,     Rebuild my faith;     I will arise and run, Thou giving me breath.     I will arise, repenting and in pain;     I will arise, and smite upon my breast     And turn to Thee again;     Thou choosest best,     Lead me along the road Thou makest plain.     Lead me a little way, and carry me     A little way, and listen to my sighs,     And store my tears with Thee,     And deign replies     To feeble prayers; - O Lord, I will arise.