PRAYER FOR THIS HOUSE
               Louis Untermeyer
 

May nothing evil cross this door,
And may ill fortune never pry
About these windows; may the roar
        And rain go by.

Strengthened by faith, these rafters will
Withstand the batt'ring of the storm;
This hearth, though all the world grow chill,
        Will keep us warm.

Peace shall walk softly through these rooms,
Touching our lips with holy wine,
Till ev'ry casual corner blooms
        Into a shrine.

Laughter shall drown the raucous shout;
And, though these shelt'ring walls are thin,
May they be strong to keep hate out
        And hold love in.
 

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