TOO MUCH TO ASK—a sonnet

TOO MUCH TO ASK—a sonnet


Is it too much to ask you, O my Lord,
That you may forgive me for all my sin?
I have so far sown not peace but discord,
And have cheated even my kith and kin.

I have not been faithful to my dear spouse,
I have not done to children my duty.
I should have been adorning my own house,
But, outside, I have been seeking beauty.

My heart has not thanked you for all you gave,
Not for a day have I bowed at your feet.
My Lord before I march unto my grave,
And at the gate of hell Death does me greet,

I pray that You forgive this wayward soul,
And in thy forgiveness thou make me whole.


M C Gupta
22 March 2005