Payback or revenge can be like unforgiveness. And though all of us are guilty at times, especially me, I have learned that if you hold onto it, or entertain it, it eats at you and keeps those wounds fresh that would otherwise have healed if we would have dealt with them the correct way. I confess, I've acted on revengeful payback several times in my life and it did not turn out well. Some things I had to learn the hard way. Thankfully, no wrong deed escapes God's notice. He may seem silent for a period, but He does not forget. The cries of the oppressed reach His ears. "For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes 12:14. Thank you for sharing. I totally relate. Warm regards. rlc

Joyce, this poem speaks of the gentle intervention from above, reminding us that when our hearts start to twist toward payback, God sends down His softening ribbons to redirect us. The imagery of His mercy cascading, unfurling, touching us with light, is most vivid. I love how the poem turns our gaze from the impulse to retaliate toward the memory of our own forgiven indiscretions. Those “slivers of satin” say more than any sermon could. They show us that overcoming vengeance isn’t about willpower, it’s about surrendering to the Love that has already overcome everything. Fine work.