A PRAYER

By Ambrose Bierce

Sweet Spirit of Cesspool, hear a mother's prayer:

Her terrors pacify and offspring spare!

Upon Silurians alone let fall

( And God in Heaven have mercy on them all! )

The red revenges of your fragrant breath,

Hot with the flames invisible of death.

Sing in each nose a melody of smells,

And lead them snoutwise to their several hells!