Please Do This One Thing For Me

I’m still here, in this world of Yours,

I didn't choose but it's only because

It is You who has ordered for me

In Your world to continue to be.

Had this not been Your will

Could I have remained here still?

My still being here is Your decree,

In this matter, I’m not at all free

(Had I been so, wouldn't I have fled

Long ago, back to You instead?).

I guess I’ve no choice but to reside

Here, in Your world, till You decide

To take me finally back to Your home

From which very far You made me roam.

To this plan of Yours I have to agree,

But please do this one thing for me:

As long as I’m kept in this world by You,

Let my being here be of some value,

Let my presence be of some worth,

Justifying thus my here taking birth.

Let my stay here some good produce,

Let to Your world I be of some use.

One thing You must promise me:

Never allow me a burden to be

On Your world's great bounties:

May this never happen, please.

May I give to Your world more than I take,

You must promise me this, for my sake.

And if I can’t be useful any more this way,

May that be the end of my earthly stay,

May it mark here my very last day,

Then back to You please take me away.