Mundi Victima

But it's always been all about you, hasn't it?

Mundi Victima

My dearest, forgive me, for I have strayed.

Apologies will never mend the trust my acts betrayed.

I slept with women left and right (their shy, reluctant prey).

Fueled by liquor, drugs, and friends, I humped the nights away.

I swear I’ll never cheat again! I’m yours and yours alone!

A victim of the world am I--the fault was not my own.

Sweet children, forgive me, for I have erred.

I’ve gambled off your futures…I must have been impaired.

Your mother should have raised you right! Our schools are second rate!

Those kids you run with, curse the stars, have sabotaged your fate.

And though the neighbors can’t contain their horror or their shame,

a victim of the world am I--I’m not the one to blame.

Oh mother, forgive me, for I have failed.

The son you raised to lead the way became the son who trailed.

I often robbed your purse, I know…but I was younger then!

If only you had lived to see me walking tall with men.

I pray that in the afterlife, sweet angel, you’ll divine:

a victim of the world am I--the blame was never mine.

Hey fellas, forgive me, for I have veered.

Though oft it seemed I’d let you down, that’s just how things appeared.

I guess I’ve left you hanging, your pal can go off-track:

when things get tough I tend to split…but shucks, I come right back.

Through ups and downs this dude remains a buddy worth his salt!

A victim of the world am I--I swear it’s not my fault.

Good Father, forgive me, for I have sinned--

this gentle soul who flutters like a white dove in the wind.

This church, this pew, are all I’ve ever craved.

I’ve hoed my row, I’ve run my race; it’s time my act got saved.

So padre, please…your warmest vote? A shout-out from the heart?

And don’t you dare blaspheme The Big Guy!

’Cause me and He are total buds--amigos from the start.

I celebrate His loving word! I venerate His name!

A wink? A nudge? A thumbs-up and a nod?

For this kindly type; this selfless sort, this benefactor who

through vicious turns of fate became

the victim of a sinful world:

this humble man of God.

Author's Note

You just can't help it, can you?