Ignorance

Ignorance

"I didn't know!"
we cry
when open eyes
would have seen
the truth.

"I didn't realize!"
we exclaim
after launching pain
a dull blade
laden with tetanus.

"I'm sorry!" we offer
a slight sacrifice
on the altar,
dust
for the starved.

Too often
I am ignorant.
"Open your eyes before you open your mouth."
I was once admonished
into tears.

The truth
of that phrase
always returns to me too late.