Original Poem
Heavens declared in the midnight saying "Thou have sinned,indeed thou have sinned!" I have lied with a prostitute, whose name is sin! Yes I am a sinner,there is no chance to deny this. I have heard that people are condemning me for sinning. But o sons of man,who can say that "I am not a sinner" except the holy ones. I have answered my own soul That I admit that I have sinned against God, but not more than the sins I have committed against myself!
Translation (English)
The skies spoke at midnight, saying
"You have done wrong, indeed you have done wrong!"
I have been with a sex worker,
whose name is wrongdoing!
Yes, I am guilty, there is no way
to deny this.
I have heard that people are blaming
me for my actions.
But oh, people, who can say that
"I am not guilty" except the truly pure.
I have spoken to my own spirit
That I admit that I have done wrong against God,
but not more than the wrongs I have
committed against myself!
About the Poet
Unknown (Unknown)
The poet of this work is not identified. It appears to be a contemporary or lesser-known piece without a widely recognized author.
Historical Context
- Literary Form
- Free verse
- When Written
- Unknown
- Background
- The poem reflects on themes of sin, guilt, and self-reflection. It explores the concept of sin both in a religious and personal context, suggesting a struggle with moral and ethical dilemmas.
Detailed Explanation
The poem is a candid confession of sin and guilt. It begins with a dramatic declaration from the heavens, accusing the speaker of sinning. The speaker admits to engaging in sinful behavior, metaphorically described as lying with a prostitute named 'sin.' This act is emblematic of moral transgression. The speaker acknowledges being a sinner and accepts the judgment of others. However, the poem shifts to a broader reflection on human nature, questioning who among men can truly claim to be without sin, except for the holy. The speaker's introspection leads to an admission of sinning against God, but with a poignant realization that the greatest sins are those committed against oneself. This highlights a theme of self-betrayal and internal conflict, suggesting that personal integrity and self-respect are deeply intertwined with one's moral compass. The poem uses religious imagery and personal reflection to explore themes of guilt, judgment, and redemption.
Themes
Literary Devices
Word Dictionary
| Word | Meaning | Translation | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavens | skies, celestial realm | the sky or universe, often seen as a divine or spiritual realm | hev-uhns |
| declared | announced, proclaimed | to announce something clearly and publicly | dih-klaerd |
| midnight | 12 o'clock at night | the middle of the night; 12 AM | mid-nahyt |
| sinned | done wrong, committed a sin | to have committed an act that is considered morally wrong | sind |
| prostitute | sex worker | a person who engages in sexual activity for payment | pros-ti-toot |
| condemning | criticizing, blaming | expressing strong disapproval or judgment | kuhn-dem-ing |
| sons of man | humans, people | a term referring to human beings | suhnz uhv man |
| holy | sacred, divine | related to a deity or religious sanctity | hoh-lee |
| soul | spirit, inner self | the spiritual or immaterial part of a person | sohl |
| admit | confess, acknowledge | to acknowledge or confess to something | uhd-mit |
| committed | done, carried out | to have performed or perpetrated an act | kuh-mit-id |
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