V

mastery

I would not have a god come in 
To shield me suddenly from sin, 
And set my house of life to rights; 
Nor angels with bright burning wings 
Ordering my earthly thoughts and things; 
Rather my own frail guttering lights 
Wind blown and nearly beaten out; 
Rather the terror of the nights 
And long, sick groping after doubt; 
Rather be lost than let my soul 
Slip vaguely from my own control -- 
Of my own spirit let me be 
In sole though feeble mastery. 
©vicky31