Sonnet: God Gives And Takes Poem by Dr John Celes

Though poverty-bred, I am versatile,
And want to serve my Maker in great ways;
My thoughts of doing good are pulsatile;
I pray to God to give me better days.

I have done much and wish to do much more;
My labor’s futile if He says, ‘nay, no! ’
I wait for God to open one more door;
Against the devils’ current, I must row.

But I will wait for opportune moments;
Success can come only if God does bless;
And if denied, I shall have ‘no comments’!
He gives men gifts and takes away excess.

God, let me live and die in Thine harness,
The only way for my true happiness.