Forgave the Forgotten

Stop and listen to the stanza of time
chiming on the distant plain.
Echoes of mercy mingle with terror 
remembered yet now forgotten.

The lantern pierces through the grime
that sordid utterance of shame.
Marching ever towards the mirror 
reflecting a soul now hidden.

Half a chance to embrace the light
a second to notice the stain.
At once remembered that reminder
to which was granted now taken. 

Count the ways committed the crime
judicial pardon and pittance the same.
Expect there be moments to ponder
accepting the wounds cheerfully given. 

What is man that brings him to mind
the son of man assurance of blame?
You made him dust to pace and wonder
and yet dear Lord forgave the forgotten.