Repentance

Portrait of Robert William Service
Robert William Service 1874–1958

"If you repent," the Parson said," Your sins will be forgiven. Aye, even on your dying bed You're not too late for heaven."

That's just my cup of tea, I thought, Though for my sins I sorrow; Since salvation is easy bought I will repent . . . to-morrow.

To-morrow and to-morrow went, But though my youth was flying, I was reluctant to repent, having no fear of dying.

'Tis plain, I mused, the more I sin, (To Satan's jubilation) When I repent the more I'll win Celestial approbation.

So still I sin, and though I fail To get snow-whitely shriven, My timing's good: I home to hail The last bus up to heaven.

Keep reading

Discover more of Robert William Service’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.