Grave Digger

Sweet mother Mary
Tell me what I'd get if I fell to my knees
Begging your forgiveness
For all the times I ran away.
Tell me how long I'd have to bleed
Before I'd be washed clean.

I'm so full of gray -
Tanned, leather-like skin wrapping around my sins
As though I weren't a walking incarnation
Of all that I hate.
And I've tried picking that skin off,
Begging to those passing by,
But I've seen the looks,
Heard the mumblings of disdain,
So I ran.
But my legs are wearing thin
And my lungs are closing in.
Can you allow me to stop?
Can I rest in you,
Your candles and light cleansing the miles and dirt
From my soul?