Dum Spiro Despero

Dum spiro despero, via dolorosa

Bring me a sharp blade so I can cut

The strings that direct my moves

And like a puppet make me dance

To rhythms foreign to my limbs

The voice of desperation

Can stop this senseless wheel of life

I trust in suffering to free my tortured mind

Dum spiro despero, via dolorosa

The God of hope far behind I’ve left

The Enlightened One has shown me his path

His way I’ll follow, forsaking earthly pain

His wise words echo through my brain:

“Give up hope and everything you love”

Strength I don’t lack this decision to make

But trapped in torment, illusion and pain

Aeons of cruel suffering I foresee

Before my ignorance shall leave me

And my weary mind finally finds rest

Amida, give me the strength I need

To trust in your Other Power

And follow your noble path

Amida here I stand: am I worthy of your Pure Land?