Prayers from the Ark and The Creatures' Choir

Rating:
Summary: Lovely and gentle
Review: I found this in a used book store's remainder bin, and I was so touched that I nearly cried on the bus.

Bernos de Gasztold, who lives in a French abbey, has written some very simple prayers by animals. Rumer Godden is an inpired translator.

PRAYER OF THE (ROOSTER) 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.

PRAYER OF THE CAT Lord, I am the cat. It is not, exactly, that I have something to ask of You! No -- I ask nothing of anyone -- but, if You have by some chance, in some celestial barn, a little white mouse, or a saucer of milk, I know someone who would relish them. Wouldn't You like someday to put a curse on the whole race of dogs? If so I should say Amen.

THE PRAYER OF THE MOUSE I am so little and grey, dear God, how can You keep me in mind? Always spied upon, always chased. Nobody ever gives me anything, and I nibble meagrely at life. Why do they reproach me with being a mouse? Who made me but You? I only ask to stay hidden. Give me my hunger's pittance safe from the claws of that devil with green eyes. Amen

THE PRAYER OF THE OLD HORSE See, Lord, My coat hangs in tatters, like homespun, old, threadbare. All that I had of zest, all my strength, I have given in hard work and kept nothing back for myself. Now my poor head swings to offer up all the loneliness of my heart. Dear God, stiff on my thickened legs I stand here before You: Your uprofitable servant. Oh! of Your goodness, give me a gentle death. Amen.

Rating:
Summary: -"The voices of animals raised to God in song"-
Review: PRAYERS FROM THE ARK was written and published first, and the poems are in the form of prayers. THE CREATURES' CHOIR was written quite a few years later and these last poems are more like letters to God, where the animals refer to their daily problems. The author did not write sentimental verse. The poems of the animals seem to radiate with truth.

I was first introduced to PRAYERS FROM THE ARK in 1977 by my sister, Susan who lent me her book. Since that time, I've purchased two copies myself, and have given several as gifts. The original book was written in French by Carmen Bernos De Gasztold, and published in 1947. The famous author, Rumer Godden discovered the work and was so impressed with the poems that she translated them into English.

There are over fifty beautiful poems in this book where each animal speaks to God in his or her own voice revealing their individual traits and personalities.

The Dove--"The Ark waits, Lord; it has endured. Let me carry it a sprig of hope and joy."

The Dog--"No one but You and I understands what faithfulness is."

The Ladybird-- "Thank You for having made me so that no one is afraid of me."

This is a charming book for an adult to read and a wonderful way for a child to learn that every creatures' life has dignity and purpose.

Rating:
Summary: Prayers from the Ark
Review: This is a whimsical book - as much for adults as for children - great to read aloud to children - and wonderfully illustrated.