I could make excuses <br />Or claim I was possessed <br />But fact would find its way out <br />Of duplicity confessed <br /> <br />So I will speak those truths <br />Clandestine in my past <br />Although far from my first mistakes <br />I vow each one the last <br /> <br />I have worshiped money <br />My words have been profane <br />I have ignored the Sabbath <br />And caused my parents pain <br /> <br />I’ve smashed some helpless insects <br />Thought things much less than pure <br />I’ve pilfered things that were not mine <br />Because I wanted more <br /> <br />I’ve lied for no good reason <br />Desired someone’s spouse <br />Their car and boat and clothing <br />And coveted their house <br /> <br />My excuse has been I’m human <br />An average bipedal fool <br />The Lord made only ten mandates <br />I’ve fractured every rule <br /> <br />Yet God is ever merciful <br />So I strive every day <br />To keep all Ten Commandments <br />Past tense is past… I pray <br /> <br />© 2006 JVD<br /><br />Jane Van Doe<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/past-tense-10/
