The Poetry Corner

Asking Forgiveness

By John Frederick Freeman

I did not say, "Yes, we had better part Since love is over or must be suppressed." I did not say, "I'll hold you in my heart Saint-like, and in the thought of your thought rest, And pray for you and wish you happiness In a better love than mine." I was another man to another woman, Tears falling or burnt dry were nothing then. I struck your heart, I struck your mind; inhuman, Future and past I stabbed and stabbed again, Cursing the very thought of your happiness In another love than mine: --Then left you sick to death, and I like death. It was a broken body bore me away-- A broken mind--poisoned by my own breath, And love self-poisoned.... Was it but yesterday? --Forgive, forgive, forgive, forgive, forgive, Forgive!