I meant to have but modest needs by Emily Dickinson
I meant to have but modest needs -- Such as Content -- and Heaven -- Within my income -- these could lie And Life and I -- keep even --
But since the last -- included both -- It would suffice my Prayer But just for One -- to stipulate -- And Grace would grant the Pair --
And so -- upon this wise -- I prayed -- Great Spirit -- Give to me A Heaven not so large as Yours, But large enough -- for me --
A Smile suffused Jehovah's face -- The Cherubim -- withdrew -- Grave Saints stole out to look at me -- And showed their dimples -- too --
I left the Place, with all my might -- I threw my Prayer away -- The Quiet Ages picked it up -- And Judgment -- twinkled -- too -- Tat one so honest -- be extant -- It take the Tale for true -- That "Whatsoever Ye shall ask -- Itself be given You" --
But I, grown shrewder -- scan the Skies With a suspicious Air -- As Children -- swindled for the first All Swindlers -- be -- infer --
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