I have read Billie James Coburn’s letter of apology for the vandalism at Riverside Cemetery (Sept. 7). It reminds me of words in a very old song, “Pistol Packin’ Mama.” It goes, “I didn’t know the gun was loaded, and I’m so sorry my friend. I didn’t know the gun was loaded, and I’ll never, never do it again.”

Sorry doesn’t clean the slate.

There are people and stones that will never be the same again.

There are people who will never trust the safety of their loved ones’ last resting place, or their own for that matter.

Coburn committed a crime, and while it is good that he is sorry and promises never to do it again, there is a price to be paid for a deed that can’t be taken back. Most of us learn that lesson at some point, and with that knowledge, we pay the price and join the society of the law-abiding, or join the criminal fringe.

I hope Coburn makes a good choice.

Marilyn Burgess, Leeds

Legislative liaison, Maine Old Cemetery Association