Help me be present tonight
without fear or expectation.
Help me release the baggage
of my week, freeing
my shoulders.

Help me fold my ego gently
and tuck it in a drawer
where it will be safe
and unobtrusive.
Ride in my pocket, God.

Don't give me more
than I can handle.
Don't take it personally
when I crave excitement,
then change my mind.

Shelter this ship
through the longest night.
Remove the sorrows
of sailors and passengers.
Help us reach the dawn.

Edited to add: this poem appears in my latest chapbook of poems, chaplainbook, which can be found online here.

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