The Cross-roads Henry Lawson, 1905 Once more I write a line to you,        While darker shadows fall; Dear friends of mine who have been true,        And steadfast through it all. If I have written bitter rhymes,        With many lines that halt, And if I have been false at times        It was not all my fault. To Heaven's decree I would not bow,        And I sank very low — The bitter things are written now,        And we must let them go. But I feel softened as I write;        The better spirit springs, And I am very sad to-night        Because of many things. The friendships that I have abused,        The trust I did betray, The talents that I have misused,        The gifts I threw away. The things that did me little good,        And — well my cheeks might burn — The kindly letters that I should        Have answered by return. But you might deem them answered now,        And answered from my heart; And injured friends will understand        'Tis I who feel the smart. But I have done with barren strife        And dark imaginings, And in my future work and life        Will seek the better things.