The Man I Once Cherished

With heavy heart, in depths of sorrow drowned, I stand, an image of esteem unbound, A man whom I did raise in high regard, His truth, alas, has struck me much too hard. His actions 'gainst my name, a wicked ploy, To raise himself, my trust he would destroy, With eagerness, he spun a tale of lies, To those I cherish, with a serpent's guise. As days and nights unfold, I question still, When did I err? My conscience, pure and still, I walk with values, strong and true to those, Who in my heart do find a place to repose. My mother's wisdom ever in my mind, "Remain humble, let your heart be kind, For in the end, 'tis not for gain you seek, But for a life that's strong, yet still unique." The words of counsel from my pastor ring, "Let not the wrongs of others bring you sting, Forgive them, child, and let your heart be free, For in that grace, true peace you'll surely see." These morals, which I hold with utmost care, Were twisted by his heart, a cruel affair, A weapon 'gainst the trust that I bestowed, Upon his soul, now tainted, truth corroded. Yet I, in gentle mercy, sought to mend, A friendship torn, I strove to make amend, But bitter spite, in cold rejection's grasp, My hopes of peace, he did so cruelly rasp. Still, let my spirit reach beyond the pain, And bless the man whose actions did me stain, May he be spared the darkness of his ways, And find the path to kinder, gentler days. Let my forgiving soul release the weight, Of this injustice, born of spite and hate, For in his heart, the truth he cannot see, I shall forgive, and thus, at last, be free.