Penitential

I have been tempted, Lord, forgive me that.
Beyond temptation, I have sinned as well;
Some indiscretions, too, I have winked at,
In others and myself. I must now tell
This litany of sinfulness in me
Or else despair of mercy, for, denied,
These ills will stink unto eternity,
But once admitted may be put aside.
The stubbornness is me is not so great
Though great enough itself to be a sin
That I am tempted to prevaricate
Or to deny the depths I am sunk in.
Forgive, O Lord, the faults I have committed
Once in humility they are admitted.