A villanelle on the 2nd Commandment.
I shall not misuse God’s holy name
by cursing, swearing, or with satanic arts,
but call upon it in trouble, pray, praise, and thanks.
His name has power to take my blame,
so I shan’t dishonour it by mouth or heart.
I shall not misuse God’s holy name.
Neither shall I lie or deceive by His name
or let profanity tear His name’s honour apart
but call upon it in trouble, pray, praise, and thanks.
For God is yesterday, today, tomorrow the same,
whose name from me shall never depart.
I shall not misuse God’s holy name.
Christ’s name is not a swear word to set aflame
in anger and with a malicious heart
but call upon it in trouble, pray, praise, and thanks.
Whenever I’m brought to guilt or shame,
or even suffer a wrathful heart,
I shall not misuse God’s holy name
but call upon it in trouble, pray, praise, and thanks.
The Lutheran Column 