EDITED: You're absolutely right - misfortune is not called for - penance is about reparation, and restoration of self and others - the relations (human and divine) which sin inevitably severs. Penance is a part of a process of healing . My reading of your verses led me to think this was concerning a very human persona, having felt trust broken, made vulnerable, hurt, injured. In response to that, twe in our frailty and limited understanding, revel in misfortune or bad consequences or plain bad luck befalling those we see as wrongdoers. I can identify with that, and I would admit feeling that way. It is not part of the idea of penance at all. Unlike penance or restoration, wishing ill on others, is harmful in the greater scheme of things. Yet, we still consider punishment a part of justice - don't we...?

I was raised Catholic; and having muslim relatives, I learned how significantly these two faiths overlap, especially in this area of sin and restoration after sin. Your poem really stands out here, and your response underlines just how significant it is. Thank you once again my man!