The Pearl and Other Poems

B.R. Mullikin

Apology

Hear such words so long denied—
this poesy tongue of mine true tuned:
where sordet songs of hope confide
the pains of mortal wound—
not greater men with more t’ say,
but lesser men with swollen tongues;
and feigning greatness, so they say
is greater than the artist’s lungs.

To hope such thoughts as now forgot—
where past is yet my critics eye—
and future pains are all for naught
if lived their life a lie!
Yes, future pains fall to this past,
not more or less than what is known:
and knowing then what lies surpassed
deem me these powers; mine alone.