Dona Nobis Pacem Poem by Pamela Ascroft

My heart is breaking; I am no longer whole-
The tigers are here and they rend and tear with sharp claws.
I hear their voices far into the black night-
I may bleed for all eternity, but I cannot die.
Let me die-please-the pain is too great.

I beg for mercy-no one is there-
There is none to soothe-not even my own tears
Gather to mourn the loss.
The sky is black and the earth is red
And I am not of either place.

Show yourself, treacherous enemy!
How can I search for you if I know you not?
Terror, in front and behind, you are the enemy-
You are the scourge of my soul, the chain that binds me.
You will laugh in my face until I strike you down.

The road is long and my steps falter-
I seek refuge from the storm, but none appears.
No welcoming hearth, no words of love-
I am afraid-God help me, I am afraid!
The journey continues, but can I?

My pen has brought me no comfort-
The clock mocks my efforts-there is no rest.
So tired, so sore-I have bled to death.
Please God. Enough.
Amen.