Judge me for my failings; crucify me for my deeds

Make me accountable for every one of fate’s unsparing beads;

Place me on the rack for every contemptuous sin

Haul me unsparingly to the coals and burn me before my protests begin.

Direct every known wrath and wreak the weapon of vengeance

Shake me by the scruff of my neck to instill within me proper sense

Do all of these and much more if your conscience tells you am wrong, by Jove

But never punish me on the one pretext that I nurtured false LOVE.

(Word Count: 95)

Courtesy of Sammi Cox Weekend Writing Prompt#115