I did not think... I did not know...
What pale excuse is this I make
In answer to my brother’s woe,
Age-long, for deep injustice sake! Across his mute and patient soul,
While I have gone my heedless way,
The shadows of a fate might roll
That deepened night and darkened day. But I have read a burning page,
That glowed with white and soul-wrung fire,
And now no more I may engage
My conscience with a feeble hire. For all the wrong I did not heed,
Chance-born in happier paths to live,
I cry unto my brother’s need
One word of love and shame... forgive! | 
