A Couple of Recent Poems

Have Mercy on Me, Lord - 2/29/12
From the collections Poetry from the Spring: 2011-2012 and Praying for Mercy.

Have mercy on me, Lord
Not for how I feel
But for who I am




My Plea - 3/8/12
Psalm 51:1 - From Praying for Mercy.

For what I’ve been
And what I’ve done
For where I am
And where I’ve gone
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For what I do
And how I feel
For substituting
Fake for real
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For what I will
And will not do
For or from
Or fighting You
Father, Hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For how I think
And how I talk
(Inconsistent
With my walk)
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For my fear
Complacency
And luke-warmth
Taking over me
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For my malice
For my pride
For my “love”
By which I’ve lied
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For my glory
For my fame
And all I’ve stolen
From Your name
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For the cross
On which You killed
You Beloved
And His blood spilled
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For the slime
And filth I am
For choosing to be
A spotted lamb
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

For adding evil
To this sphere
For taking up
Existence here
Father, hear my plea:
Be merciful to me

Not for me
But for Your Son
And for Yourself
Most Holy One
Father, grant this plea:
Be merciful to me