Repentance

Repentance Is Quite Different from Regret

Repentance is quite different from regret.

One can feel regret for many years,

Singing the same song to the same tears,

Having just the grace not to forget.

However, to repent must mean to change.

After the regret must come the will,

So passionate it does all yearning fill,

Having rendered every passion strange.

Actions only can forgiveness gain.

No thought can penetrate the hardened skin

And touch the gentle paradise within.

Hearts can not feel joy but after pain.

By Nicholas Gordon


This poem speaks to me of joy and change.