I Am the Albatross

My loves, across the world,
I am the Albatross, your sorrow and shame.
All around the world, my name is heard
Like it never were, or never was and couldn't be.
And all are ashamed of what they have done to me.
My sins are like your sins, but my sins are known
And you hate me, for you wished me to stay silent.
You cursed me, and took my thoughts from me.
And you said, "We are justified."
Yet... what I have done is what you have done
And you have done far worse...
Oh, how I am to your shame, your never ending curse.
"What have we done!" cried the peoples who buried my heart.
The poet's destiny was broken,
By the petty feuds of great dictators
When America had freedom of speech.
I am the albatross, for my shame is yours
And you have done this to me
And stolen my bread and given it to the world.
But where is my bread?
And that is why I am your shame.
I asked not for more than I could eat,
But my solemn portion, for the good work I have done.