My Kingdom by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott wrote this when she was fourteen years old.

A little kingdom I possess,
Where thoughts and feelings dwell,
And very hard I find the task
Of governing it well;
For a passion tempts and troubles me,
A wayward will misleads,
And selfishness it’s shadow casts
On all my words and deeds.

How can I learn to rule myself,
To be the child I should,
Honest and brave, nor ever tire
Of trying to be good?
How can I keep a sunny should
To shine along life’s way?
How can I tune my little heart
To sweetly sing all day?

Dear Father, help me with the love
The casteth out my fear,
Teach me to lean on Thee, and feel
That Thou art very near,
That no temptation is unseen
No childish grief too small,
Since Thou, with patience infinite,
Doth soothe and comfort all.

I do not ask for any crown
But that which all may win,
Nor seek to conquer any world,
Except the one within.
Be Thou my Guide until I find,
Led by a tender hand,
Thy happy kingdom in myself,
And dare to take command.