Apology For Empathy Poem by Mary Havran

How shall I apologize for such, my indiscretions?
Overwhelmed as I often find myself
accomplice to my imperfections
Yes, I confess
my tendency to leap before I look
and nonetheless
with indifference
some hasty bounds I took
I am at times a willing slave
to my own emotions (cruel masters, some profess)
Jumping to such commands as these gave
heedless of consequence recklessness draws thence

Shall I protest, pleading some innocence
owing to personal failing
or being raised by chance
subject to humanity's entrance
prone to incense at others’ misfortunate wailing
Though advised to place restrain
on my affinity for the underling
somehow I deign allow empathy free reign
over so many an undertaking

So drag me off to dungeon deep
or whip me beyond mercy
By this, my sin, may some angels weep
my shame displayed that others see
Fear not to make, of me, such sample
proving where end, for action, meets amend
My humiliation might stand as an example

Yet I would do it all again
without hesitating for even a minute
I would intervene at another creature’s pain
were none save a like remorseful accede
the only result, for me, there in it
Yea, though discretion, over valor, indeed
may prove the better part
let it never transpire I choose such need
over acting from my heart