For 2020

    
While we are still breathing
and the sun’s shining bright,
Give Thou, Lord, to each
what he has not:
To the tyrant give a heart
To the charlatan a truer task
To the sinner offer penitence
To the priest, salvation…
and don’t forget Yours truly.

While the earth is still turning, Lord,
And the wind sweeps its surface,
Give wisdom to the martyr
To the warmonger, peace
To the oppressed give justice
To the lovelorn, forbearance…
and don’t forget Yours truly.

While there’s still time enough, Lord,
And the blazing sun is looming low,
To the wealthiest give happiness
To the wretched, hope
Give to the gigolo a wife
And to the married, respite…
and don’t forget yours truly.

From neon lights
to hearth-side gleam,
From spotlight to starlight
From the hustle and bustle of life
to rest and dream,
From the din of the day
to things quiet,
Give Thou, Lord, to each
a little at a time
what he has not…
and don’t forget yours truly.