My Kingdom

A little kingdom I posess where thoughts and feelings dwell
And very hard I find the task of governing it well;
For passion tempts and troubles me, a wayward will misleads,
And selfishness its shadow casts on all my words and deeds.

How can I learn to rule myself, to be the child I should,
Honest and brave, nor ever tire of trying to be good?
How can I keep a sunny soul to shine along life's way?
How can I tune my little heart to sweetly sing all day?

Dear Father, help me with the love that casteth out my fear;
Teach me to lean on Thee and feel that Thou art very near,
That no temptation is unseen, no childish grief too small,
Since Thou, with patience infinite doth soothe and comfort all.

I do not ask for any crown but that which all may win,
Nor seek to conquer any world except the one within;
Be Thou my guide until I find, led by a tender hand,
Thy happy kingdom in myself, and dare to take command.

(Written by Louisa May Alcott, age 12)