Sonnet: Is Earthly-Life, A Purgatory? Poem by Dr John Celes

O God, perhaps this is my purgatory!
Help me to bear my sufferings with joy;
Let pain and strife become my offertory;
Let not the devils with my soul to toy.

When trials come and tribulations too,
My face must wear a smile that never fades;
When out of habit, mortal sins I do,
Let me ignore the devils’ accolades!

Let remorse strike my plaintive heart early;
Let guilt not make me commit suicide;
Just like you can’t uncurl the curly hair,
Man sins, his actions being malafide!

Make me penitent and do my penance;
Gain forgiveness to see God’s countenance.