Classic Poem

Achant of dark betrayals: song betrayed
By those who turned their backs against its morn;
Of art conceived, yet left at birth forlorn
By hearts that feared the thing their dreams had made,
Of an unsanctioned parentage afraid;
Of music silenced by the world's dumb scorn;
Of banners up the light no longer borne
Lest mock of fools might darken the parade.

And yet who dares to chide them—these, who failed,
Reluctant, at the opening verge of bliss,
Because the censures of the world prevailed?
For who has not betrayed enough to know
How Judas drank immeasurable woe
Of broken love, with one most hapless kiss?