Guilt

Guilt of past deeds return
to rip my conscience
like a hyena tears at its prey.
I’m not sure I’m guilty,
they say I am.
Is guilt placed by others
mine to carry? Can guilt
be placed if no guilt is
deserved. Long ago an
innocent man was found guilty.
I’m doubly haunted, by the specter
of guilt and the ghost of doubt.
My escape is words on a page.
The reader will empathize because
He knows me through my words.
No guilt in my words, only a cry
for acceptance and peace.