The Plea

Or: What should have been Said

We have lied

And obscured

And your trust

Utterly betrayed

You know we fibbed

You felt the stab

In your back-

Upon our knees

Forgiveness we beg-

But for God's sake,

Take the jab!

Yes we are guilty

Ours alone is

The blame,

Believe us,

We can't stand

From shame,

We deserve not

The doctoral name

We shall return

Our credentials at once-

But for Heavens above-

We beg forgive us-

And take the jab!

Every death is upon

Our head and hands alone

Power-drunk, we did you all wrong

Do with us as you will-

But take the jab!