St. Anthony Rag Poem by robert dickerson

St Anthony, St Anthony
long renowned
the worthy keep
of heaven's lost and found
and a seer
without peer,
suscipe!

Noble soul
so merciful
so kind to those
who pray to you-
Anthony, St Anthony,
never known to fail,
hear my call.

Somewhere between
the town and wood
I lost my heart-
I lost it hard
I lost it good
Help me find,
St Anthony,

what wasn't so much
lost as stold:
the pretty thief
brazen! cold!
living proof
that one so young
can be so bold.

And the aching
void it leaves!
Won't you help me
pretty please,
to get it back?
C'mon guy,
can't you try?

Rafts of candles, all
of yellow tallow
you shall have
for your pains;
and fleshy peonies
one per day this May
for your alter, in a jar

to dote upon;
and incense, oh,
quite enough
to choke a cow;
Pity me and I will tell
my confession to the priest
at your feast.

St. Anthony, St. Anthony
long renowned
the worthy keep
of heavan's lost and found
let me eat, let me sleep
again, and grant us peace,
Amen.