Remorse

Remorse

By Rishi Shukla

Penned on 30/04/2022 

Forgive me for I am guilty

I didn’t mean to commit this felony

Wronged have I before but not with intent

Whether it be a friend or a fiend

Never thought I would hurt so much a mind

Ever so the person who is of special kind

In whose honor I bow and swear my allegiance 

But is it not that we hurt only those whom we truly love?

Drunk with youth I was novice

Merry in life when destiny ticked with a surprise

At first encounter unaware of your divinity

I took a bet with gamblers proclivity

Unrealized the blessing that your presence brought

The pirate was chanced upon a treasure without a kill   

Soaked in your pleasure I learnt about the pain

Found hymns and ballads to be of vain

It was through your mercy that I saw my cruelty

To which I owe my humility

Your love makes hatred conspicuous

Enlightens to what’s righteous

Aghast I ask who is more blessed

One who shows the right path or the one who embarks on it?

Gratitude waned into claim

Have no one but myself to blame

Reverence was corrupted by ignorance

Disgraced burglar spilled his last pence

Eventually divine called out my perfidy

Followed by mortals diatribe on infidelity

With the list of sins rolled, jury was out

Unfathomable truth seeped in as I was put to the strictest trial

My body, mind and soul were put to a test

As I grappled with guilt, loath and unrest

I searched for felons who conspired with me

Found them leering on my apathy 

Soon I realized God now asked his munificence 

To be repaid with my atonement.   

Mistakes made lessons learnt

But have reached here with midnight oil burnt

Grateful of your love I held you as a mascot

Followed you to the extent of a bigot

Even the darkest clouds have silver lining

Mine was full of ecstasy and exulting 

Fate undecided I ponder do I deserve condemnation

Cannot my sins be washed with your forbearance… O’ Divine