Only if God can hear

On the river's edge, I waited in vain For a ship to rescue me from my pain I cried for help, I prayed for aid But none came, and my hopes were delayed Just when I thought all was lost at sea A boat appeared, a chance to break free But I refused, for I waited for a ship And the boatman left, with a gentle rip Again I cried, again I prayed And a plank was offered, a lifeline displayed But I refused once more, still waiting for my ship And the plank was withdrawn, my hopes dipped The skies grew dark, the rains poured down I needed an umbrella, a shelter from the town But none came, and I stood, forlorn and blue Until a stranger offered a Banyan leaf anew But I refused, for I still waited for my umbrella's shade And the stranger left, with a gentle, knowing glade