A poem by John Donne written during a near fatal illness:

I read this poem in high school and it made a strong impression on my young, religious mind. Alongside two or three other religious poems by George Herbert and a few others by Donne, I periodically return to its words in reflection. Two years ago I sent the poem to a very sick friend who, unlike Donne, did not recover, which for me imbued the poem with a deeper significance. Today, I rediscovered the poem in an old document and decided to share it here. Its effect remains strong on my middle-aged, religious mind.

A Hymn to God the Father

i.

Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

ii.

Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

iii.

I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore ;
But swear by Thyself, that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore ;
And having done that, Thou hast done ;
I fear no more.

[ps: the typography of this poem is very aesthetically pleasing. it is unfortunate that blogger does not preserve it through cut and paste! Look here for a prettier version]