Self-Discovery: A Song of Penitence

I am but a falling shadow of my former self

I and my fearful shadow children after me

Who walk without hope on the cruel pavement

Of this weary world beneath the brutal sun.

I am a hidden man who has hidden from himself,

I do not see, I cannot afford to see, I will not see

What I have become or why I have made myself

This walking shadow visiting my sins upon myself

And on my children even to the fourth generation.

But I feel a hand in mine that calls me to my self,

A face looks up to me in hopeful expectation

Will I not see, Will I not see what I can become?

Penitence is a pain in the heart; can I bear the pain?

I must bear the pain. Sweet Lord have mercy. 

Christ have mercy on me, and on my children after me.