For works with similar titles, see A Petition.
A PETITION.

Father, the way is dark, Thy child is lost,
Lost on life's winding road;
Take Thou my hand until the wild be crossed,
Bear Thou my load.

My heavy load, the burden of my heart,
My weight of care;
Oh, let me bring it to Thee where Thou art,
And leave it there!

Give me the promise now for which I wait,
That Thou wilt lead;
That no vague phantom voice of chance or fate
Shall bid me speed.

I dare not trust the dearest friend on earth
To choose my path,
Nor pray Thee send the strongest angel forth,
High Heaven hath.

Hearken my Father, unto Thee I call,
To Thee alone,
Come to me quickly, quickly lest I fall,
Ere light is shone.

Clasp Thou my trembling hand in thine so strong,
Then shall I speed
Gladly and swiftly, joyfully along
Where Thou dost lead.