Edgar Lee Masters (1868–1950). Spoon River Anthology. 1916.

183. Elmer Karr

WHAT but the love of God could have softened

And made forgiving the people of Spoon River

Toward me who wronged the bed of Thomas Merritt

And murdered him beside?

Oh, loving hearts that took me in again

When I returned from fourteen years in prison!

Oh, helping hands that in the church received me,

And heard with tears my penitent confession,

Who took the sacrament of bread and wine!

Repent, ye living ones, and rest with Jesus.