I forgive the undeserving,
Not to alleviate inevitable shame,
But as a gift to myself;
Freedom from the oppression of pain.
I forgive of my own free will,
Not of archaic holy obligation,
Independent of apology,
Guilt kneels of its own volition.
Forgiveness is only an option
When I feel safe again,
For peace cannot live in fear
Or in the shadows of blame.
I forgive others in my own time,
Meandering the path freely,
It may begin my healing,
Or end the chapter completely.
I forgive when the storm within me ceases
And becomes a gentle breeze,
When my shallow breaths return
And the panic starts to ease.
When forgiveness does finally arrive,
I open the door and windows too.
Brushing aside cobwebs and debris,
Letting the wind move through.
I forgive the undeserving
So I can live again.
