A guide to help on this one way journey through life.
After I died the first time it seemed logical to stop and contemplate
our status on this planet. We were 3000 miles from home when my heart
gave up and over 50% of it died and scarred over, in other words could
not pump ever again. For a Type "A" person it was time to take another
look at myself and where my life was taking me. An engineer by trade
and poetry was never in my mind. However that changed and so far I have
written about a hundred poems. This one, "Life's Prayer" has been one
that everybody seems to get a lift from and provides a positive look at
each other. I have shared this poem with over 8000 heart patients and
their families. Most all tear up as they read it. I hope it provides
you with direction hope and joy. May the "Great Spirit" always be with
you on your journey.
Life's Prayer
Great Spirit and Creator of Heaven and All
Let me listen to you and not put up a wall.
Give me the strength and courage each day
to share and help others along their way.
May I learn from the old and the wise
and be a good role model in children's eyes.
Put the sunshine in my life and face,
to reflect your love and time not waste.
Life on this earth is as brief as the firefly's light
and there is only time to do what is just and right.
Let me not judge others by what they may do,
until I have walked two weeks in their path too.
Make my speech soft as the wolf's fur,
may it be as gentle as the cat's purr.
Let me walk as quietly as rabbit's feet.
May I be a soaring eagle and not retreat,
from things that are pure, just and right,
through all my suns in day and moons at night.
Oh great Spirit of sun, moon, wind, rain and all,
I beg of you to hear this souls burning call.
Prepare a place for this soul in your infinite love,
for that time will surely come when its called above.
May I be humble and listen each day
what you would have me do when I pray.
© 1996 John H. Ryder, 2105 Adventure Trail, Durham, NC 27703
Published in the United States, All rights reserved
