Once more I write a line to you, br While darker shadows fall; br Dear friends of mine who have been true, br And steadfast through it all. br If I have written bitter rhymes, br With many lines that halt, br And if I have been false at times br It was not all my fault. br br To Heaven’s decree I would not bow, br And I sank very low— br The bitter things are written now, br And we must let them go. br But I feel softened as I write; br The better spirit springs, br And I am very sad to-night br Because of many things. br br The friendships that I have abused, br The trust I did betray, br The talents that I have misused, br The gifts I threw away. br The things that did me little good, br And—well my cheeks might burn— br The kindly letters that I should br Have answered by return. br br But you might deem them answered now, br And answered from my heart; br And injured friends will understand br ’Tis I who feel the smart. br But I have done with barren strife br And dark imaginings, br And in my future work and life br Will seek the better things.