The Poetry Corner

A Prayer For Grace In Death. First Reading.

By Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni

S' avvien che spesso. What though strong love of life doth flatter me With hope of yet more years on earth to stay, Death none the less draws nearer day by day, Who to sad souls alone comes lingeringly. Yet why desire long life and jollity, If in our griefs alone to God we pray? Glad fortune, length of days, and pleasure slay The soul that trusts to their felicity. Then if at any hour through grace divine The fiery shafts of love and faith that cheer And fortify the soul, my heart assail, Since nought achieve these mortal powers of mine, Straight may I wing my way to heaven; for here With lengthening days good thoughts and wishes fail.