Raymond Garfield Dandridge, "Supplication" (1920)
(Dedicated to Cincinnati Branch, N. A. A. C. P., and sung to the air, "America")
Dear Lord we come to Thee,
In quest of Liberty,
Thy mercy lend.
We know no better way
Than serve, obey and pray,
Protect us night and day,
Almighty Friend.
Unsheathe Thy vengeful sword,
Cleave us a way, O Lord,
As naught else can.
Let no base foe oppress,
Let no vain thought repress
Our future usefulness
To God and Man.
We have no ancient creed,
We have no glutton's greed
To satisfy.
We seek the lofty height,
Where Justice, Truth and Right,
Condemn oppressor's might,
Like God on High.
May World Democracy
Include equality
For every one.
Father, all-wise and just,
Do as Thou wilt with us,
In Thee, alone, we trust,
"Thy will be done."
Published in The Poet and Other Poems, 1920