you ask why you need

to forgive when you are not

the one that committed

the deed, that caused the pain,

that left an indelible mark.

 

and i smile and reply soft,

that forgiveness is not about

them, it is critically more

about you.

 

it does not excuse what they

did, but rather protects your

already hurting heart from

further damage, from

bitterness growing deep

into bones.

 

forgiveness means that

freedom for you

is on the way

and heralds

its approach loud.

there it is

 

just beneath the surface.

be patient as it blows

away dust, brushes out

cobwebs sticky and

your heart will

shine again.

 

©Heather Pound 2023

image:Mohammad Alizade via Unsplash