I watched you from a far
Safe in my haven, my comfort zone
I knew you needed help but I looked the other way.
I know I could have done more but I didn’t
I watched you fumble, stumble, fall down.
I’ve asked myself so many times
Why didn’t I help, what as I thinking?
You deserved so much more than my indifference.
I think it was fear, the unknown,
I was quite young back then,
Unschooled in the ways of the world
Shut off from the harsh world of reality.
But that I ignored your calls has haunted me
‘You’ll need help one day.’
This has echoed in my mind ever since.
You are probably long dead now
A distant but vivid memory
I never knew your name
I never saw you again
But I am sorry for my feigned apathy
I looked away, scared, inept
I am sorry.
Written for: http://pookypoetry.wordpress.com/2014/05/31/poetry-prompt-31-apology/
Morpethroad 
This is exactly as I imagined a response to this prompt might be and I’m glad to think it’s not just me that has those moments that play over and over in my mind for years which I beat myself up over but which may seem inconsequential to others. You captured these feelings beautifully. DO you feel better for sharing?
It happened a long time ago Pooky, but is good to be able to express my sorrow. I have felt guilty ever since.
Sometimes our failures to act can weigh on us more heavily than real actions. You expressed this well.
Thank you Gabriella. I hope your weekend is relaxing.
This is so sad, Michael. Perhaps this prompt can enable you to forgive yourself and let it go…guilt is such a terrible emotion good for the trash…it eats at you.
Yes it does Oliana, and did give this one up many years ago but it came back when i saw the prompt. Thanks for the free counsel!!
🙂 anytime.
Very Touching Michael.
Thank you so much. Are you wb? Or DJ?
Peter will do nicely thanks Michael. I just prefer to be semi-anonymous on my own blog for now.
Ok gotcha ya. Peter it is.
ooOoh – I would so have had a hard time with a prompt like this. Long story short – apologies & I don’t mesh. I prefer the simply move on method.
That’s a fascinating response RoSy, the subject of a good chat over cup of tea that one. We all deal with such things in our ways though, so if it works for you then go for it.
I believe an honest, heartfelt apology is one of the greatest gifts to give and to receive. it shows strength of character by he or she who gives it as well as he or she who gratiously receives it. I admire a person who can apologize. In my opinion it is one of those “must have” things in a lasting relationship. Some people think apologies show weakness. I do not, not when it is warranted. Good writing here!
Thanks Larry, I agree with you again today, wow two days running I think. Thanks for reading and your comment, very well put.
Well done Michael. A good apology can go far even if the thing we are apologizing for happened long past. We might not be able to apologize to the person directly, but I still think it makes a difference within ourselves.
Very true Jackie its that inner feeling of resolution that makes it worthwhile.Thanks so much for your comment.
Apologies are so important between friends and families. Lack of an apology can destroy a friendship or a relationship in a family. Not just between the two people involved, but everyone else as well. A beautiful poem, Michael!
Thank you so much Lyn. I like your comment, well said.