The Poet Asks Forgiveness

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Matthew 18:21-35 CLASSIC POEM: A Hymn to God the Father John Donne Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun, Which was my sin, though it were done before? Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run, And do run still, though still I do deplore? When thou hast done, thou hast not done, For I have more. Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won Others to sin, and made my sin their door? Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun A year or two, but wallow’d in, a score? When thou hast done, thou hast not done, For I have more. I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun My last thread, I shall perish on the shore; But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore; And, having done that, thou hast done; I fear no more. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: The Poet Asks Forgiveness Fay Zwicky SNIPPET: Dead to the world I have failed you Forgive me, traveller. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]