741. A Child's Wish by Abram Joseph Ryan. Stedman, Edmund Clarence, ed. 1900. An American Anthology, 1787-1900

Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

741. A Child’s Wish

Before an Altar

By Abram Joseph Ryan


I WISH I were the little key
That locks Love’s Captive in,
And lets Him out to go and free
A sinful heart from sin.

I wish I were the little bell	5
That tinkles for the Host,
When God comes down each day to dwell
With hearts He loves the most.

I wish I were the chalice fair,
That holds the Blood of Love,	10
When every gleam lights holy prayer
Upon its way above.

I wish I were the little flower
So near the Host’s sweet face,
Or like the light that half an hour	15
Burns on the shrine of grace.

I wish I were the altar where,
As on His mother’s breast,
Christ nestles, like a child, fore’er
In Eucharistic rest.	20

But, oh! my God, I wish the most
That my poor heart may be
A home all holy for each Host
That comes in love to me.