Covering Tracks

I remember President Clinton’s apologizing

To the American Indians... 100 years later.

I don't toss in bed unable to sleep

If I can't connect to the guilt.

A good programmer can correct mistakes

So they won't be repeated.

A collective conscience needs

Constant reminders to last a week.

When I offered no eulogy at Ray's funeral

I did not prophecy deeply regretting

My lack of preparation or rightness

Ten years later.

Moral lessons are difficult to recognize

And harder to absorb.

Rabbi Akiva is credited with the observation:

"If not me who? if not now when?”.

Maybe it's time to give Clinton a pass

Along with my bungled non-eulogy?

An alcoholic friend apologized 10 years late.

It was a very courageous act.