A Simple Prayer

If in the dead of a sleepless night
I began to slip and I was alone,
I’d welcome the darkness and say a slow payer,
Asking for –

The art of waiting for spring
At the beginning of winter,
The skill to lengthen the day
By forgetting anger,
The talent to take the time
To listen for one perfect note,
And the wisdom to stand still
When everyone’s running.

But above all, I’d ask for
The courage of knowing
That the planet will keep spinning,
That the heart will keep pumping,
That you will still want me,
After today.