The clock rules the chamber,
monotonous laws
drone on through the evening
no one can set his rulings aside,
no one escapes this room.
Today I am accused,
tonight I lie before the court.
Silence in the halls,
only the breathing
of the cupboard, a mother who sees me.
Outside, the wind and the rain
appeal and defend,
outside the wind and the rain
appeal and enclose
the judge with their reasoning.
Jerking forward with fear
the minutes, the minutes,
the hours gasp ahead
and the four walls cry
for one single word
of forgiveness before morning,
an answer of forgiveness,
an answer before morning.
(Gerrit Achterberg)
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