Father, Forgive Me

The Confession (1838) by Giuseppe Molteni

How dark and dread the chosen night

When sting of sin spurred me to flight

To that hidden place of deepest gloom

That from without looks a tomb.

Once inside I hide my teary face

From he who called me to that place,

And say from lips sorrow-thinned,

“Father forgive me for I have sinned.”

I confess every sin before his high seat,

Each one a tear fallen on holy feet,

Then I hear once I have ceased,

“Your sins are forgiven, go in peace.”

My father smiles at me as if to say

He loves me more in every way,

And with that wonder in my chest

I march into the morning blessed.

Dedication: To Father Colin