A Prayer

Oh, not for more or longer days, dear Lord,
  My prayer shall be--
But rather teach me how to use the days
  Now given me.

I ask not more of pleasure or of joy
  For this brief while--
But rather let me for the joys I have
  Be glad and smile.

I ask not ownership of vast estates
  Nor piles of gold--
But make me generous with the little store
  My hands now hold.

Nor shall I ask that life should give to me
  Another friend--
Just keep me true to those I have, dear Lord,
  Until the end.

--B.Y. Williams