He's been accused so harshly
And called such deadfall words
I dare not breath repeat
I shuddered for him then
I blush for him now
Partially because
I never knew
And for the rest
That I cannot
In all honestly defend him
With aching heart
And unwilling lips
I finally
Was forced to admit
That with all do reason
From this narrow minded world
I've know foundation
Save personal opinion
For my complete and confident
Faith in him
Yes... He's had his past
Haven't we all?
Why only I
To believe he's sufferd for it
Or that his heart is softened?
I do not have to see
In black and white print
That he's had his time
Of chastened regret
Which of us
Claims such purity of heart
That our thoughts are never trodden
With habits long disposed of?
At times
I've envied him
For he lives i the world
Of my unforgotten dream
To the point of bitter resentment
But for a moment born
My feelings toward him
Reflected the darker
Side of me
Till in remembrance of his gentle
Almost disapproving face
And the times he genuinely smiled
My heart grew sick
And heavy from shame within
Twice I wept it empty
To find it full again
Then pushed those awful
Thoughts behind me
As one of my many sins
His talent to smooth over
The rough of much
And care in the simplest way
Have inspired me to try harder
Than my very best
To achieve in equal standard
That precious gift
Of knowing when
Or whether to say
Of how and why
To say it
His words do not offend
Though they may provoke a laugh
His manners adjust
To fit each situation
But they do not insult
Nor are they pretended
For he has an understanding
Of most every human feeling