Forgiveness

Ever since I was born I lived as I could.
Shivered in rags, slept in any neighborhood.
Walking the streets, I was always hungry,
I lied, cheated, and sometimes stole some things.
A few times it was coins the blind beggar had gotten,
Or the farmers’ honey he had long forgotten.
If I got caught, they beat me black and blue
I just hoped the seller would forgive me soon.

When from a child, I entered my youth,
If needed, I chopped down entire forests of spruce.
While during the day I stood before the farmer,
In the evenings I layed with his wife, his partner.
I gave her thousands of sweet compliments
And she let me steal endless kisses from her lips.
Later, the farmer kicked the door down on us
I could only hope I’d be let go instead of roughed up.

I then went to the mountains to become a monk,
In an ancient, forgotten order I’d bunk.
I went to sleep late, and awoke early,
Faith put a stop to my restless heart burning.
Later I put the embers out which were hot,
And took all the money from the donation box.
Nobody tried to stop or to stall me,
I hope that someday the church will forgive me.

I became an outlaw then, cruelty was my best friend.
I took people’s money which kept me content.
Killing anyone if the right price was set.
Buying lovers at night so the money’s well spent,
I lived happily, carousing the whole day.
Shouting at the bartender was my preferred way.
I stole equally from rich and poor prey.
I took everything, herds, droves, and flocks too.
I hope all these people forgive me someday soon.

I’m a prisoner now, no more debauchery,
No stealing food, and no longer shivering.
I don’t chop trees and don’t love the farmer’s wife.
I won’t take the money or go to church tonight.
I don’t rob folks and don’t cause bloodshed,
But for all of this, I must repent.
I stand below the rope awaiting a miracle
I hope someday God forgives me for it all.

2024.11.14. Translated by Esther Brownwood