Author: Louis Untermeyer, 1885-1977 Hymnal: Singing the Living Tradition #85 (1993) Meter: 8.8.8.8 Lyrics: 1 Although this life is but a wraith,
although we know not what we use,
although we grope with little faith,
give me the heart to fight and lose.
2 Open my ears to music, let
me thrill with spring’s first flutes and drums —
but never let me dare forget
the bitter ballads of the slums.
3 Ever insurgent let me be,
make me more daring than devout;
from sleek contentment keep me free,
and fill me with a buoyant doubt.
4 From compromise and things half-done,
keep me, with stern and stubborn pride;
and when, at last, the fight is won,
O, keep me still unsatisfied. Topics: Transcending Mystery and Wonder Meditation and Mystical Songs; The City; Courage; Faith; Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning; Integrity; Spring Languages: English Tune Title: DUNEDIN
Although This Life Is But a Wraith