My Conscience Cried

Have you no shame my conscience cried Mocking the resilience of my waywardness, Trying to hobble my innately selfish pride A streak of ego said it’s clearly my business. I felt no pain for my lack of sympathy Have you no shame my conscience cried, Though I was taught the value of empathy Somehow to care seemed to break my stride. From time to time, I must admit, I tried To reconcile my behavior with inner voices Have you no shame my conscience cried, When I made the worst of proffered choices. Came the time before my conscience seared I sought to make my conscience be my guide, Then when I could sense a disaster neared Have you no shame my conscience cried. Written July 12, 2022