Te Deum

by Charles Reznikoff (1894 - 1976)

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.

Meaning of "Te Deum" :
A hymn of praise to God sung as part of a liturgy. Te Deum laudamus (Latin for "We praise Thee, O God"), early chant of the Western Church beginning, “We praise Thee, O God, we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.” . Legend ascribes it to an ecstatic outburst of St. Ambrose when he baptized St. Augustine. It is now widely attributed to Bishop Nicetas of Dacia (c.335–414). It is sung at morning prayer in Anglican churches and at matins in the Roman office.