Let Me Keep Lent

Let me keep Lent,
let me not kneel and pray,
Forego some trifle every day.
Fast … and take Sacrament …
And then
Lend tongue to slander, hold ancient grudge,
Deny the very Lord whom I would glorify.

Let me keep Lent,
Let my heart grow in grace,
Let Thy light shine till my illumined face
Will be a testament
Read by all men
That hate is buried, self-crucified — new-born
The spirit that shall rise on Easter morn.
– Elizabeth Badley Read