Beckett: Poetry – No. 1710, In My Shame

Based on Psalm 6.

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O God, turn away Your anger,
although I continually sin.
Let Your grace be Your answer
to my perpetual chagrin.

For my soul is in anguish, —
its depths severely troubled.
My shame, O God, please vanquish,
lest my agony become doubled.

Assure me of Your salvation
according to Your faithful love,
for in death comes damnation
whence praise shan't rise above.

In my shame I grow weary
and sleep with abundant grief.
Save me from life's dreary
lest my life become brief.

Depart from me, all thoughts of shame,
for God has heard my prayer.
Against me He counts no blame, —
Christ's righteousness He declares.