How shall I apologize for such, my indiscretions? <br />Overwhelmed as I often find myself <br />accomplice to my imperfections <br />Yes, I confess <br />my tendency to leap before I look <br />and nonetheless <br />with indifference <br />some hasty bounds I took <br />I am at times a willing slave <br />to my own emotions (cruel masters, some profess) <br />Jumping to such commands as these gave <br />heedless of consequence recklessness draws thence <br /> <br />Shall I protest, pleading some innocence <br />owing to personal failing <br />or being raised by chance <br />subject to humanity's entrance <br />prone to incense at others’ misfortunate wailing <br />Though advised to place restrain <br />on my affinity for the underling <br />somehow I deign allow empathy free reign <br />over so many an undertaking <br /> <br />So drag me off to dungeon deep <br />or whip me beyond mercy <br />By this, my sin, may some angels weep <br />my shame displayed that others see <br />Fear not to make, of me, such sample <br />proving where end, for action, meets amend <br />My humiliation might stand as an example <br /> <br />Yet I would do it all again <br />without hesitating for even a minute <br />I would intervene at another creature’s pain <br />were none save a like remorseful accede <br />the only result, for me, there in it <br />Yea, though discretion, over valor, indeed <br />may prove the better part <br />let it never transpire I choose such need <br />over acting from my heart<br /><br />Mary Havran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/apology-for-empathy/
