The Proper Way

The proper way for a man to pray,
Said deacon Lemuel Keys,
The only proper attitude
Is down upon his knees.

No, I should  say, the way to pray,
Said Reverend Doctor Wise,
Is standing with outstretched arms
And rapturous upturned eyes.

It seems to me his hands should be
Devoutly clasped in front,
With both thumbs pointing t'ward the ground
Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.

Last year I fell in Hodkins' well
Head first said Cyrus Brown,
With both my heels sticking up,
My head a pointing down.

And I made prayer right then and there,
Best prayer I ever said.
The prayerest prayer I ever prayed
Was standing on my head.