30th of Av/Rosh Chodesh Elul I

The month's begun and I don't hesitate
to start it right. I say the evening prayers,
though starting at this moment is too late,

since I, though having time, procrastinated
til today to straighten my affairs.
The month's begun so I don't hesitate

to put in Google Calendar "create
a place for You." My frightened heart declares
that starting at this moment is too late.

Although I cannot hope to vindicate
myself—for I was certainly aware—
the month's begun. So I don't hesitate

to reassess the way I live but hate
that Elul was the push for me to care,
that starting at this moment is too late.

My credibility is gone. My wait
proves piety a fabric that can tear.
The month's begun, and I won't hesitate,
though starting at this moment is too late.