Not I, But Thou

a poem by Bhaskar Kannan

Take away from me all that I call mine
In exchange for a heart that says “All’s thine”;

Take away my will, and my hurting tongue,
Grant me only that your glories be sung;

No riches, no strength, no wisdom have I,
Only petty, ill-mannered insolence have I;

Away from me, and from my narrow world,
Take me, O Lord, into Thy loving fold;

Heard I’ve, and believed, that God is near
Can’t you, my Lord, come out now and here?

I have little else to ask of Thee, my Lord,
A place at Thy feet, to me, is all, my Lord;

Take away my fame and my foolish pride,
And in want or luxury be ever by my side.