Forgiving

Forgiving another I'm quick to do,
if forgetting is not also required.
Their echos iterate in an old queue
of actions I, alone, may have inspired.

Forgiving myself for mistakes I've made
(thousands wait patiently to be absolved.)
Another's perception sometimes I'd trade
for I've become much too deeply involved.

I must let things go, erase from my mind
wrongs perceived as caused by others or self.
Not allow thoughts to roam until they find
paths of worry never placed on a shelf.

Rethinking actions: at best of no use.
Dawn's beauty signals a day newly born.
Time flies too quickly to burnish each bruise.
Love, after all, rescues worries I've worn.

January 11, 2023
for Sotto's "Revealing Your Soul and Other Tensions" Contest

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Eve Roper

Date: 1/15/2023 10:52:00 AM

Congratulations on your win in Lasaad's contest, Ann. Forgiving ourselves is the hardest thing to do, we always carry and never release. Many Blessings My Friend

Ann Peck
Date: 1/15/2023 6:44:00 PM

Thank you, dear Eve. It is. I found, if I can forgive and forget, I sleep a lot better. :) Blessings to you, too.

Valsa George

Date: 1/14/2023 9:42:00 PM

"I must let things go, erase from my mind/ wrongs perceived as caused by others or self./ Not allow thoughts to roam until they find/ paths of worry never placed on a shelf.". Love this stanza... ! If we can let things go, much of our tensions will automatically subside and will come to enjoy sound sleep. Beautiful poem dear Ann.

Ann Peck
Date: 1/15/2023 6:53:00 PM

Thank you, dear Valsa. You're absolutely right about sleep! I had a hard time forgiving myself for being a doormat, not just in one marriage, but two. And, for things I didn't say or do when they might have helped someone. Those are really hard. Thanks for your comments.

Hilo Poet

Date: 1/14/2023 1:56:00 PM

A wondrous quatrain, Ann, the end brings it in my friend. My compliments on your win, Aloha William

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 1/14/2023 12:09:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. Your "Forgiving" is a lovely write. Forgiving others can come easier than forgiving ourselves. Love others and love ourselves is the key. Have a blessed weekend...............