Te Deum by Charles Reznikoff

Not because of victories
I sing,
having none,
but for the common sunshine,
the breeze,
the largess of the spring.

Not for victory
but for the day’s work done
as well as I was able;
not for a seat upon the dais
but at the common table.

From: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16822

Date: 1959

By: Charles Reznikoff (1894-1976)