A Hymne to God the Father

by John Donne

                            I.

Wilt thou forgive that sinne where I begunne,
    Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that sinne through which I runne,
    And doe runne still, though still I doe deplore?
        When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
                    For, I have more.

                            II.

Wilt thou forgive that sinne which I have wonne
    Others to sinne? and, made my sinne their doore?
Wilt thou forgive that sinne which I did shunne
    A year, or two, but wallowed in, a score?
        When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
                    For, I have more.

                            III.

I have a sin of feare, that when I have spunne
    My last thred, I shall perish on the shore;
But sweare by thy selfe, that at my death thy Sunne
    Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore ;
        And, having done that, Thou hast done,
                    I fear no more.

 

Read by Ann Drysdale, who lives in Old South Wales, UK and has been a hill farmer, water-gypsy, gonzo journalist and single parent — not necessarily in that order. Her fifth volume of poetry, Quaintness and Other Offences, has recently joined a mixed list of published writing. Much of Ann Drysdale’s writing can be obtained by contacting the author via http://www.poetrypf.co.uk/anndrysdalepage.html.
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