forgiveness

When I learned the word forgiveness

It had a halo and some feathers.

It was a way to forget and bless -

A trade for uncomfortable tethers .

It wasn’t until much later that I knew how much I needed it

Like a wrench inside a toolbox,

Breaking through whatever impeded it-

breaking  paper, scissors, rocks.

My costly bloody wrench knew more of sacrifice

Than mercy; its costly job released me.

Some places I used it more than twice

Where offense was sharp or greasy.

And now forgiveness breaks my shame,

Not far from my embittered heart.

In case I slip and fall and blame

It lifts me to the place of art.

Because my freedom, joy and peace-

Can not exist without release