Mortal Guilt (A Sonnet)

And so I killed a man today unplanned,
Though I lay not a finger on his head,
I know his doom was caused by my own hand,
For as I spoke his name I spelled his death.

He drew no breath once nightfall came around,
While I drew more breath than I felt I should,
And while during his rest he made no sound,
I let myself lament loud as I could.

I knew the only way to save my life:
To say that fatal truth in court and thus,
My testimony cut him like a knife,
And to the gallows he went without fuss.

And though they say he's guilty of the crime,

In my own heart I know the guilt is mine.