MIRROR POEMS

Forgiving and 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.

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Copyright © John Herlihy