‘Non, je ne regrette rien!’ sang Piaf,
and if we all should say the same, what joy
to know, reversal of religion, whiff
of a deeper truth; it’s almost as if
this is the gospel method of employ.
Not penitence preached, instead, no regrets;
no exhortation to change one’s ways, no,
but to continue as before that lets
who one is express itself, and no frets
over that done - or hypocrisy to show.
Perhaps this is what endeared Christ to sinners,
after all, despite morals taught, contempt
for those who would tow the line for honours
before men, appear righteous, the real winners
the immoral, love from judgment exempt.
And love it was that that filled the singer’s life,
fulfilling Christ’s command, the love that covers
a multitude of sins, and then discovers
it is in its own terms the law, and Piaf’s
words the gospel, no regrets, for us all.
