I'M BACK

I have been away for too long
Knowing what I did was wrong
Back here is where I do belong
I feel like I’ve been on the rack
But pay attention now, I’m back

Banished to a far off foreign land
What it’s like, few can understand
With almost every pleasure banned
I’m sure you all forgive and forget
But I’m back and there’s better yet

I feel bad about the money I stole
To find a better life was my goal
But no certainty how dice will roll
I was soon identified as the thief
But now I’m back with much relief

I was soon sentenced to deportation
And I had nothing left as reparation
The colonies were my destination
Then many days on a stinking ship
But I am back and have got a grip

I worked in sweltering midday sun
Until the early evening was done
We all felt the temptation to run
With no water, our lips would crack
But that was then, and now I’m back

I mentioned that I’ve brought a gift
A chest, almost too heavy to lift
I hope your opinion of me may shift
There’s cash in there to support us all
I’m back, so please, no more bitter gall