The Prayer of the Cock

Do not forget, Lord,

it is I who make the sun rise.

I am Your servant

but, with the dignity of my calling,

I need some glitter and ostentation.

Noblesse oblige . . .

All the same,

I am Your servant,

only . . . do not forget, Lord,

I make the sun rise.

Amen

Prayers from the Ark

 by Carmen Bernos de Gasztold

Translated by Rumer Godden