Where To Start With Forgiveness

I am wrapped in shame 
Like the garden path lined by wilted roses 
And their thorny sidekicks. 
As I pluck in frustration, 
Pulling prickly forgiveness from my dungarees 
The garden fence shrinks into the dirt. 
But I don’t want the neighbours to see my front lawn, 
Not just yet. 
At least until the winter is over 
And the pruning is done. 

What if I were to see shame 
As though it were a lady beetle 
Even during the peak cold? 
She is forgiven for allowing her to express beauty in that present moment. 
I am never angry at her for daintily dancing across my arm. 
I am angry at myself for not pruning those roses sooner, though.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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artlyy Avatar
September 14, 2026 at 9:34 AM
I've really been enjoying your poem and the emotions and imagery were so vivid that i could easily picture them as beautiful illustration. I'm a commission-based manga/webtoon artist, and I'd love to help bring your story to life if you're ever interested. Feel free to reach out at gm@il : akiracomicart2@ or on inst@ akiraa_artly
Agustin Avatar
March 4, 2024 at 8:35 PM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
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