A Foolish Prayer

 by Marjorie C. Lundstrom

I built a wall around my heart
of laughing, sparkling ice;

To hid the loneliness within,

The pain and sacrifice.

I filled my life with other things

To rise above the throng.

I dared not dream this happiness

that's known as Love's Sweet Song.

But when, by change we met again, -

The wall came tumbling down

From my confused and frightened heart.

It wept but made no sound.

My mind is strong on everything

Until the heart gives way;

But then all reasoning is gone, -

I can but hope and pray;

That God will tell me what to do

To ease the lonely ache,

That fills my every daytime hour

And keeps my nights awake.

To dream of her is well I know

The pastime of a fool.

Her heart is hard and cynical, 

And selfish, cold and cruel.

The only thing is just to pray, 

Our paths may never meet;

That I'll not hear her name again

Or meet her on the street.

But when I look at God to pray, 

The clear blue of the skies, -

Makes false my words.  My truant heart

Remembers her dear eyes.