Question And Answear Poem by Ina D. Coolbrith

“What gift hast thou got for Me,
The Crucified for thee? ”
No worthy thing:
Nor song, nor praise, nor tears,
From all these many years,
Jesus, my King.

“In ways thy feet have sought,
In all thy hands have wrought,
Whatso for Me? ”
Ah, in those dreary walks,
Behold the flowerless stalks,
The fruitless tree!

“Thy heart hath love, at least-
I crave thy love.” O Priest,
It were not meet
From bitter wells to slake
Thy thirst. Touch Thou, and make
Its waters sweet.

“Thy soul- that I may live! ”
Is it then mine to give?
O Saviour, cease!
Like to a troubled sea,
My spirit is it me:
Lord, speak it peace.

“Unto thy Friend, thy King,
Hast then no offering,
No gift to give? ”
For all Thy love, Thy care,
Only one little prayer:
Saviour, forgive!