In Vain

In vain, In vain, must it all be in vain?

I search for the sunshine --- find only the rain.

I try to help others their future to find,

Then doubt that I even know my own mind.

Why can't I be wise, why can't I be smart,

Why can't my mine overrule my heart?

Why haven't I learned from mistakes of the past

What good is hope --- If it doesn't last?

Dear Lord, tell me how, to get my life straight

Then give me patience --- that I may wait

Help me to do the things that I should

Help me keep silent --- when talk does no good.

Help me to see the difference between

Words merely spoken --- and what they may mean

So many times --- I can't understand why

I haven't accomplished the things that I try.

My intentions are good --- they come from my heart

Why must they always be torn apart?

Taken wrongly --- they're misunderstood

Then all of my efforts, do no good.

So It seems in vain, always in vain

My search for happiness ends in pain

My efforts so useless --- why do I try?

I know that I've failed, but can't understand why.

Pearl E. Cain