Below is my rendition of Psalm 51 in English verse. The Psalms were originally written as poetry. I understand the need for accuracy in translations but I believe we lose so much when the aesthetic aspect of the verse is given such low priority. As always, comments, critiques, and charges of heresy are welcomed.

After your loving-kindness, Lord,
Have mercy upon me!
For your compassion great, blots out
All my iniquity.

Cleanse me from sin, and throughly wash
Off my depravity!
For my transgressions I confess;
My sin I ever see.

‘Gainst you, you alone, have I sinned,
In your sight done this ill;
That when you speak you may be just,
And clear in judging still.

Behold, I in iniquity
Was formed the womb within;
My mother conceived me also,
In guiltiness and sin.

With pure truth, you are delighted.
You see the hidden part.
And wisdom you shall cause me know,
Within my inner heart.

With perfume do, you sprinkle me,
I shall be cleansed so;
Yes, wash me please, and then I will
Be whiter than new snow!

Of merriment and joyfulness
Cause me to hear the voice;
So that these very bones which you
Have broken, might rejoice.

All my iniquities blot out,
Hide your face from my sin.
My Lord, a pure heart create, give
Me a right spirit within!

Cast me not from your sight, nor take
Your Holy Spirit away!
Restore me thy salvation’s joy;
May my spirit willing, stay.

Then will I teach your ways unto
Those that transgressions do;
And those that sinners are, will then
Turn their eyes unto you.

From guilt of shedding blood, free me,
Lord of my redemption!
Loosed at last; loud shall my tongue sing,
God, of your salvation!

My sealed lips, O Lord, by you
Let them be wide opened;
Then shall your praises by my mouth
Be broadly loud proclaimed.

For you desire not sacrifice,
Nor does burnt offering;
Supply you with good pleasure, were
It so, I’d bring these things.
(And bring them with good measure!)

A broken spirit is to God
The pleasing sacrifice:
A broken and repentant heart,
Lord, you will not despise.

Show favor, and do good, O Lord,
To Zion, your delight.
The walls of your Jerusalem
Build up as you see right.

Then, in just offerings you’ll please,
And offerings burnt, they
With whole bulls and young calves
Will on your alter lay.