Forgive Me

I have learned the hard way that people aren't always what they seem, They look you in the eye, shake your hand, then take you to the cleaners. It's been many a year that I have thought on this theme, Ever since I was one of those who got caught by these schemers. It would not be so bad if we could just open our eyes to see, That they have no ones interest in anything but their own. Perhaps that is the way it was and always will be, At least until we have had that experience in our lives sown. It is difficult to learn to trust anyone who comes to you, Since you now look at everyone with a skepticism and mistrust. But, there is one hope in all of this to take away that jaded view, A hope that has always lain before us in the dust. It was preached to us in many a form and style, The Bible, Koran, other great works of religious zeal. We have had the words written down for quite a while, Yet, I wonder if those of us who read them really feel. The great commandment to love God with your whole being, Has been a message that comes through the ages. And to love one's neighbor as you do yourself has more meaning, Only if we try...for this is the yardstick by which the Lord gauges. As for those who take advantage of others who cannot see, I feel sorrow for them...for they have lost touch with life. They may have great wealth, or possessions, or think they're happy, But the Lord will meet out His justice to them for causing others strife. As for me, it seems I have been on a long journey and I'm tired, Tired of watching these villains prey and profit on the ones with naivete and weakness. Preying on the young, the old, the sick, and those who aspired... I was once a victim, but have now can only offer forgiveness. It has taken a long time for me to reach this end, As I once was so consumed by the sting of the hurt and anger. On reflection, the only one who was hurt by my not wanting to mend, Was me...my loved ones...my family...places where I no longer linger. I write this now because it seems a necessity for me, To express my feeling and thoughts on a life that was truly dead. And to you who read this I have but one plea, Say a silent prayer for my forgiveness from the Lord, when you bow your head.