I Do Not Ask

I Do, Not Ask

I do not ask For stores of wealth That my incessant toils may cease; I rather crave the charms of health

And humble joys of love and peace.

I do not ask that grief and pain Should veil their secrets from my mind; I long to share the loss and gain

That bind me to my human kind.

I do not ask that wreaths of fame Should twine around my throbbing brow; But that my fair, untitled name Be tarnished by no broken vow.

Ido not ask that fulsome praise Should magnify my words and deeds; But may the lore of kindly ways Reveal the virtues of my creeds.

I do not wish my rose of life To feel the killing frosts of time; But while her fragrance still is rife May I then hear life's vespers chime.

And as the shadows, cold and gray, Shut out the glory of the sun, I hope to hear the angels say: "Thy crown of glory now is won." Alfred Osmond. Brighton Young University, Provo, Utah