Prayer in the morning

The following is only a portion of Berryman's poem - which shifts between belief and non-belief. Nevertheless, it speaks truthfully, and isn't as cynical as some of Berryman's other work.

Master of beauty, craftsman of the snowflake ... endower of Earth so gorgeous & different from the boring Moon, thank you for such as it is my gift ... Unknowable, as I am unknown to my guinea pigs: How can I 'love' you? I only as far as gratitude & awe confidently & absolutely go.

- John Berryman, from his poem "Address to the Lord"

You can find a copy of the complete poem (and some discussion of it) here.