Heavenly Lord, let me withdraw
Into an isolation now,
Retreat from world, which anyhow
I cannot help, all hope worn raw.
So “lesser breeds without the law”
Becomes us; men forsake their plow
Choosing to arm themselves, and thou
Forsakest us, like men of straw.
I stand in ignorance and awe
At human foible, and “Enow!”
I cry; it is enough, I trow,
Beneath the trees where black birds caw.
Measure is forced; I drop my jaw
As deeds iniquitous endow
Posterity with furrowed brow
To think how men did hem and haw.
I sought for death, yet futile saw
Misery’s foment. Dost allow
The crows to cackle from the bough,
Mocking men’s moans with their guffaw?