Parme Version (St Charles) Poem by Parme Hice

You are my Saint of the hungry heart;
thirsting Icon of prayers and supplication-
to you I dedicate this well-tested heart,
beseeching you in your loving kindness,
not to forget that it once belonged to a child
and that it is all shot thru with faults:
the seven deadly sins and there be holes
and worn spots plenty in this gift
Which is wholly and freely given,
gushing Blood and rain of torrential tears,
all in your Name, oh wondrous One-
The love inside remains immaculate.