Prayer

Lead me not into temptation, for
I'll always lead myself, and therefore need
No extra guidance; no, I need far more
The help that, when I get it, I ignore,
The counter-push against my inner greed,
Whatever stifles that internal seed
Whose sprouting is my selfishness. My poor
Sense of self-preservation cannot feed
Upon its own recognizances, so
I need your help; do not lead me astray,
Into the wilds and the darker places
Full of the dreadful things that turn their faces
Towards me and show myself; do not, I pray,
Lead me that way - or I'm afraid I'll go.