Tears

Grant me, gracious God,
    To allay my fears
While I walk this world,
    Wave on wave of tears.

A vessel full of tears
    Give me for my own
That my perilous path
    I may tread alone.

Gentle Christ, my grief
    That my cheeks do not flow
With the floods you gave
    To Magdalen long ago!

My grief that from my breast
    Reaching every part
Pours no waterfall
    To freshen limbs and heart!

For each wise old man
    Who sought pain and loss
In your kingdom’s quest,
    For your shameful cross—

For all sinners here
    Who their tears renew,
My sins, O my God,
    Let me weep them too.

For your goodness’ sake,
    For your kingly state,
Grant me a well of tears
    Ere it be too late.

Let my heart drip tears
    As your heart dripped blood—
Who can give me tears
    Only you, my God?

Source: Frank O'Connor; The Little Monasteries; Dublin; Dolmen
Press; 1963, 1976 (1976 ed.); pp.40-41