Forgiving the Unforgiving
By John Herlihy

The unforgiving knot untied within the mind,
A most stubborn suitor of the sternest kind.
The refusal to forgive another burns as fire,
The voice of refusal turns humility into a liar.
Anger boils hotly within the outraged blood;
Jealousy drowns darkly in its raging flood.
Cruelty blinds our hearts to another’s pain;
Indifference sets us free of another’s gain.
The unforgiving harbors a heart of stone;
Never to understand, and never to atone.

Forgiving lies bridled within the open mind,
The most tender emotion, unique of its kind.
The impulse to forgive soothes as a balm;
The voice of forgiveness echoes as a psalm.
Generosity opens the gate to mutual return;
Love stirs the restless heart into a slow burn.
Kindness makes us realize another’s sorrow;
Interest in others leads to a joyous tomorrow.
The forgiving person understands true misery;
In forgiving, they find a way to sure discovery.

Even if you are unforgiving, I will never tell;
I forgive your trespasses and fare thee well.