When I Was Silent

You think you made such a compelling case
That everyone would be persuaded. Why?
Your arguments are clever, even sly,
But not persuasive. Looking into space
And finding, when I look back, in my place
There's someone with a sad look in his eye
Who looks like me — no, I'm a happy guy,
Replete with genuine delight and grace.

So I am graceful, you are sly, we both
Have argued painfully, our efforts crowned
With small success. We both have run aground
On dark uncharted shores. You took an oath
That meant nothing at all, and I was loath
To interfere, and didn't make a sound.