Here is a song-poem inspired by Andrew’s evening prayer,
- crafted in the lyrical, devotional spirit of Rabindranath Tagorrich
- with mystical longing
- gentle imagery of twilight and nature
- surrender to the divine
- a flowing rhythm that echoes Andrew’s song-offerings
- Though Tagore’s English translations often favor free verse it’s been woven in rhyme to give it a musical, prayer-like cadence suitable for singing or recitation.
Evening Offering
As the sun dips low in the western sky,
And shadows lengthen on the quiet stream,
I come to Thee, O Silent One most high,
With burdened heart, like a wilted dream.
Forgive, forgive the faltering steps I trod,
The wounds I dealt in haste or hidden pride;
My sins are thorns that pierce the hand of God,
Yet in Thy gaze, no soul is cast aside.
Wash me, Lord, in the cool and healing rain
That falls from mercy’s cloud at eventide;
Let every stain dissolve, each dark remain
Melt into light where Thy pure grace abides.
Grant me the strength to turn from shadowed ways,
To walk the path where thorns no longer grow;
And courage rise, like dawn through misty haze,
To seek the hearts I wounded long ago.
Let reconciliation bloom as flowers do
When evening dew anoints the weary earth;
In humble words, in silent tears anew,
May broken bonds regain their gentle worth.
I trust Thy boundless mercy, vast and deep,
That holds the stars and calms the restless sea;
Tonight, within this quiet heart, let sleep
Bring perfect peace, for it is stayed on Thee.
Thou keepest him in peace whose mind is Thine,
Whose trust is anchored in Thy endless light;
So in Thy arms, O Love divine, I find
The grace that turns the darkness into night.
In the name of the One who calls us home,
I lay my day, my faults, my hopes before Thee.
Amen, amen—let evening’s quiet come,
And fill my soul with Thy serenity.
(Isaiah 26:3 whispers through the lines: perfect peace for the mind stayed on Thee.)
May this offering bring solace as the day closes.
Running Down Vimy 