An Informal Prayer

"The proper way for a man to pray,"
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,

"and the only proper attitude
Is down upon his knees."

"Nay, I should say the way to pray,"
Said Reverend Dr. Wise,

"Is standing straight with outstretched arms
and rapt and upturned eyes."

"Oh, no, no, no," Said Elder Snow;
"Such posture is too proud.

"A man should pray with eyes fast closed
and head contritely bowed."

"It seems to me his hands should be
Austerely clasped in front.

With both thumbs point toward the ground,"
Said Reverend Dr. Hunt.

"Las' year I feel in Hodgkin's well
Head first," said Cyrus Brown,

"With both my heels a-striken' up,
My head a-p'inting down;

An' I made a prayer right then an' there;
Best prayer I ever said;

The prayingest prayer I ever prayed;
a-standin' on my head."