Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas Devotes Himself to God

NICOLAS

My parents died. All too soon

I left the tranquil beauty of their home

and knew the wider world of man.

Poor Man! I found him solitary, racked

By doubt: born, bred, doomed to die

in everlasting fear of everlasting death:

the foolish toy of time, the darling of decay -

hopeless, faithless, defying God.

Heartsick, in hope to mask

the twisted face of poverty

I sold my lands to feed the poor

I gave my goods to charity

but love demanded more.

Heartsick, I cast away

all things that could distract my mind

from full devotion to His will

I thrust my happiness behind

but love desired more still.

Heartsick, I called on God

to purge my angry soul

to be my only master, friend and guide

I begged for sweet humility

and Love was satisfied.