Poems & Prayers

These poems consider the theme of absolution and mercy from a variety of perspectives. 

In some of the poems, the speaker is the one begging for understanding, most often from the divine. In “Forgive me I’m sorry,” the speaker acknowledges that he has sinned repeatedly and continues to do so, but argues that because he regrets his bad behavior, he deserves forgiveness. “Forgive Me Father for I Know What I Do” is another prayer on the same theme: The speaker is aware that he has lost his moral compass, but asks God to forgive his guilt. The speaker of “The Other Day I Wrote God a Letter” is trying to become a better person, but needs God’s empathetic grace. In “Dear God,” the speaker wishes to conquer his carnal desire so he can hear the call of God.

“If someone lies, cheats, or steals” takes the point of view of the injured party rather than the transgressor. The poem advises condemning the acts but not the person who did them. However, practicing forgiveness does not mean having to trust the bad actor. 

The last set of poems more abstractly considers the Christian idea of grace, or the forgiveness inherent in divine love.