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Restoring Ties

I reached down into the bottom of my soul Where there were sordid, bitter memories Of hearts I had wounded over years gone by I sorted carefully, reviewing each to decide Whether I’d let them continue to fester there, Or, whether I’d make amends and restore ties With friends I had shut out by my petty hurts, Surprisingly, I discovered it was not they, but I Who suffered from my unforgiving spirit. I resolved that very moment to contact each To say I’m sorry, forgive me, I was such a boor. “Forgive me for allowing trivial differences To come between us” and each was restored; Soul cleansed, I’ve forgiven others and myself.
SECOND PLACE WINNER Edited June 26, 2022 Submitted to "Forgiveness" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 7/18/2022 9:10:00 AM
Congratulations on this win. A beautiful write. Their is peace with friends when "Restoring Ties." Love your ending. Today, be blessed with your win.............
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/18/2022 11:36:00 AM
Thank you, Paula. I had hoped it would do better, but, I'm not picky!
Date: 7/3/2022 2:24:00 AM
This is BRILLIANT " I discovered it was not they, but I Who suffered from my unforgiving spirit."
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/3/2022 8:33:00 AM
You know, Caren, it is so true. The anger we feel toward others actually harms us, not them!
Date: 6/26/2022 5:49:00 PM
It's sometimes harder to forgive yourself than others. A winning entry in the contest, for sure.
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Date: 6/26/2022 4:12:00 PM
Milt, having a humble heart is one of the best qualities anyone can have. Yours truly is because you've told me more than once that maybe you should look deeper into yourself to see if a fault was your own. Humility makes us worthy of God's blessing. Your lines are eloquently offering yourself to human flaws. Bravo.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/26/2022 4:15:00 PM
Aw, thanks, Jenna. I truly appreciate your kindness and your thoughts on my poem.
Date: 6/26/2022 9:52:00 AM
Your poem conveys a profound truth we well know, but seldom reflect on: even the person who is wronged suffers if lacking forgiveness. Human urge to reconcile ultimately buries ego and pride. Divine message and endearing thoughts, Milton. A poem destined to win.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/26/2022 10:18:00 AM
Pehaps, Vijay. We'll see. I certainly appreciate your thoughtful comments on the poem.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things