Turning Back Poem by Yehoshua Shim'onai

Woe to me Your unfaithful servant,
O Holy Lord Almighty!

Woe unto me for I had rebelled
against Your authority!

I have stumbled upon ev'ry side
because of my foolishness;

Yes I have fallen flat to the ground
because of my carelessness.

Like a trav'ler with his belongings,
I am burdened with my sins.

Like the olive branches for the oil,
I am crushed in my conscience.

I've been groaning the whole night and day,
my tears riv'ring to the floor.

The peace in my heart was wavered
and trouble's been my neighbor.

For my sins mount up above my head -
my follies have outgrown me!

For I have despised Your holy word -
Your laws I've broken greatly!

Look no more on my iniquities!
Hide Your face from my vain deeds!

Wash away my sins through Your Son's blood -
forgive me as my soul needs!

Put now Your anger away from me;
O Lord God, You are righteous!

Restore me with Your lovingkindness;
truly great is Your justice!

Come and heal my broken heart, Father,
restore the joy in my soul.

Put the gladness back in my spirit
and save me from the Sheol.

For my heart longs to dwell in Your house
to rejoice before Your throne.

To see the greatness of Your mercy,
very pleadingly I yearn!

Cleanse me once more, O God my Savior
and lead me back to Your place!

Have mercy upon me, Your servant,
for I'm in need of Your grace!