The Cross Roads

Once more I write a line to you,     While darker shadows fall;     Dear friends of mine who have been true,     And steadfast through it all.     If I have written bitter rhymes,     With many lines that halt,     And if I have been false at times     It was not all my fault.     To Heavens decree I would not bow,     And I sank very low,     The bitter things are written now,     And we must let them go.     But I feel softened as I write;     The better spirit springs,     And I am very sad to-night     Because of many things.     The friendships that I have abused,     The trust I did betray,     The talents that I have misused,     The gifts I threw away.     The things that did me little good,     And,well my cheeks might burn,     The kindly letters that I should     Have answered by return.     But you might deem them answered now,     And answered from my heart;     And injured friends will understand     Tis I who feel the smart.     But I have done with barren strife     And dark imaginings,     And in my future work and life     Will seek the better things.