A Damaged Man's Prayer for Self

Sole watchman of the flying stars, guard me

against my flicker of impulse lust: teach me

to see them as sisters and daughters. Sustain

my grand endeavours: husbandship and crafting.

Forsake me not when my wild hours come;

grant me sleep nightly, grace soften my dreams;

achieve in me patience till the thing be done,

a careful view of my achievement come.

Make me from time to time the gift of the shoulder.

When all hurt nerves whine shut away the whiskey.

Empty my heart toward Thee.

Let me pace without fear the common path of death.

Cross am I sometimes with my little daughter:

fill her eyes with tears. Forgive me, Lord.

Unite my various soul,

sole watchman of the wide and single stars.

John Berryman, 'Eleven Addresses to the Lord 3'