Original Chagrin

No matter how fast I race nor high I sit
I cannot escape the guilt for being born;
all the good I have ever done erased no whit
of the stain of my arrival that early morn.

I’ve started no wars nor caused great loss
yet the nuns told me I placed That Man,
the only innocent, fixed ever on his cross;
seeking to avoid this blame I ran.

Owed so much to both my parents dear
yet brought them nothing but grief
for my sake they stayed in hell here
agonized union found no separate relief.

Had I never been conceived the world
could be a better place for all
no savior to miserable earth hurled
mom and dad apart walking tall.

No matter how fast I race nor high I sit
I cannot escape the guilt of being born;
all the good I will ever do erases no whit
of the stain of arrival that early morn.