Forgiveness
By John Herlihy

Forgiveness a gesture we sometimes extend,
A simple act of mercy that we cannot pretend.
We all wish to benefit from its worthy blessing,
Wash away all debt with no further addressing.

Heartless betrayal, forms of injustice, wanton lies,
Overwhelmed by a treachery I thoroughly despise.
Our first impulse but a burning revenge to respond,
Forgiveness being the last resort of a magic wand.

You think the wicked only get what they deserve,
To suffer the injury, the negative feeling to preserve.
If you believe yourself wronged, what strength of feeling,
Kept as a preserved flower with no possible appealing.

The rape of one’s innocence doth lay the heart bare;
Feeling ravaged, a winter chill forces another to stare.
To gaze upon the perpetrator with tongues of hatred;
To curse the injury of the offender with oaths sacred.

Forget not the wise guidance to turn the other cheek,
To forgive the unforgiven in keeping with what we seek.
Are we not far from perfect and need forgiveness as well?
In forgiving, we better avenge the wrong and its evil spell.

While forgiving others creates a treasure chest of wealth,
How can I enjoy the virtue when I never even forgive myself.
I betray my own trust, abandon my virtue, do myself wrong;
In losing my own innocence, I have given up my own song.

I have done much wrong, but in the distance I can only stare;
I hope to see my forgiveness out on the horizon somewhere.
What would it mean to forgive the world, but not myself forgive,
Listen to the whispers of the heart to forgive, to forget and live.