Abstracted

My Apologies

Before I begin

and confess all my sins,

I'll tell you a story

of a man who is sorry.

I bow down my head

and ask forgiveness instead

of meaningless pity,

but that's no longer fitting.

I apologize

for leaving you with father

even though I knew

exactly what you went through.

You held our family together

and I let you down

when I left for another life

and abandoned you; homebound.

I apologize

for not cherishing what we had.

I turned a blind eye

to what you needed of me,

and how I couldn't protect you,

so for that I am sorry.

I apologize

for missing the youthful years

of your childhood and heartbreak tears.

I'm a stranger to you now,

I know this, and I should,

but I want to repair this life.

I know this, and I could.

Just don't grow up too fast,

wait for me before you're an adult.

My dear little sister,

I'll take the blame as my own fault.

You're an innocent young girl,

so beautifully pure of heart,

please forgive me if you can,

though I tore our family apart.