Alma 39:9

Alma 39:9
 9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things.

Sonnet 725 Alma 39:9

Sometimes a common theme is best described
In words uncommon to the listening ear
At first you ask yourself just what's transcribed
But with some effort meanings become clear.

To cross yourself may sound so thusly strange
But here is what this father really meant
To turn, regret, to overcome, to change
Uncommon words for common term: Repent.

Some things we think or do need crossing out
Because, in fact, they sadly cross the line
Or cut across our faith and into doubt
And so we cross ourselves to realign.

And let's not lose what gives this verse its clout
We all have things to cross ourselves about.