This playful and life loving poem is one of the reasons I like Dorothy Sayers. Hard headed common sense, intellectual curiosity, love of language and story and formidable Christian intelligence makes her one of those people it would have been fun to meet, even if you were a fool – whom, according to this poem, she would nevertheless have suffered gladly. The poem is about friendship, love, laughter – and the foolish wisdom that brings a sense of perspective to life. Not a bad late night prayer – compline in verse.
I thank Thee first for many a friend,
The sturdy and unquestioned piers
That run beneath my bridge of years.
And next, for all the love I gave,
To things and men this side the grave,
Wisely or not, since I can prove
There always is much good in love.
Next, for the power thou gavest me
To view the whole world mirthfully,
For laughter, paraclete of pain,
Like April suns across the rain.
Also that, being not too wise
To do things foolish in men's eyes,
I gained experience by this,
And saw life somewhat as it is.
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