MERCY

What brings you to this loathsome place

Where black dogs bark and guilt abounds?

Weren’t you once led by skill and drive

In topmost surrounds?

I came here for my redemption

Yet I was miserably misled.

There’s no forgiveness for mistakes,

So my soul is dead.

The victims call for execution

Of we who bled losses unseen.

They howl for gore and restitution.

Why should I be mean?

But surely there’s much more to life

Than dwelling on an unjust past?

You’ve tales to tell and verse to craft -

Lines of hope to cast.

But don’t you know the pain and shame?

Only I see doubt in every face.

Even though I know tedious truths

I see no earned grace.

And few seek works from my weak heart,

Most think they reek of pose and mime.

And the sages of our dazzling age

Reject me every time.

Then there’s no hope my wan lost friend.

I will weep to see your body sleep.

Your ashes I’ll give to kinder hands -

To feed the oceans deep.