Like This and Like That

like this I proclaim to have lofty intentions
like that my actions point in other directions

Observe:

like this I feel energised after prayer
like that I sin again minutes later

like this I want to reach for the best
like that I'll settle for not being the worst

like this I wash away the sins of old
like that under pressure I'll again fold

like this I'll do good acts in plain sight
like that in private I won't worry about right

like this I have good acts linked with my name
like that alone I turn off any sense of shame

like this I reflect on mistakes of the past
like that I'll again see my actions recast

like this I want to my Lord belong
like that I still end up doing wrong

Conclusion:

like this I accept the self-accusing soul
like that I reject its most important role