To An Ingrate

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This is to-day, a golden summer's day
  And yet--and yet
  My vengeful soul will not forget
  The past, forever now forgot, you say.

  From that half height where I had sadly climbed,
  I stretched my hand,
  I lone in all that land,
  Down there, where, helpless, you were limed.

  Our fingers clasped, and dragging me a pace,
  You struggled up.
  It is a bitter Cup,
  That now for naught, you turn away your face.

  I shall remember this for aye and aye.
  Whate'er may come,
  Although my lips are dumb,
  My spirit holds you to that yesterday.

© Paul Laurence Dunbar