I Do Not Speak
by Stevie Smith

I do not ask for mercy for understanding for peace
And in these heavy days I do not ask for release
I do not ask that suffering shall cease

I do not pray to God to let me die
To give an ear attentive to my cry
To pause in his marching and not hurry by

I do not ask for anything I do not speak
I do not question and I do not seek
I used to in the day when I was weak

Now I am strong and lapped in sorrow
As in a coat of magic mail and borrow
For Time today and care not for tomorrow