The Revisionists
Almost before they've vanished
into the changing dark,
deftly, with undertaker's hands,
we begin our work.
Revising here a feature,
altering there a fact,
transforming half the words they said,
each dubious act.
The memory grows kinder
as it moves into the past--
quarrels, dark quarrels put away,
at peace at last.
Ten years, and they turn saintly,
shining out from flowery beds--
though sometimes, deep in dreams, we hear
these pleading words:
"Children, poor lying children,
remember us--as we were.
Accept, forgive--as we forgive
the things you are."
Copyright 2010-2012 Paul Petrie