I’m sorry now I wasn’t kinder then.
I would have blocked his lust if I knew how,
but I was inexperienced with men.
I’m sorry now.

Permitting moves I’d rather not allow,
I acted rashly mean and harshly, when
there might have been a better path to plow.

But I was only seventeen plus ten,
and half insane with stress, and didn’t bow.
I say in sympathy with me, again:
I’m sorry now.

(Roundel)