For moments when they questioned me
and I replied indifferently,
or wished I'd practiced birth control,
may God have mercy on my soul.

For little mouths washed out with soap,
for loss of patience, faith, and hope,
for all the times I botched my role,
may God have mercy on my soul.

For bad example, worse advice,
for thinking love would not suffice,
for every failure to console,
may God have mercy on my soul.

For all the other days I seemed
superlative, am I redeemed?
If He will take me as a whole,
God may have mercy on my soul.