Forgiveness

-------Forgiveness-------

Gather your bones, Brother,

your strength,

and stand up to that bully which is Guilt.

Throw your arms 

around its puffed-out chest 

and hold on tight.

For it wants nothing to do 

with the Loving Kind 

and it will fight to keep 

the Act of its Becoming a "mistake" in your mind,

for you to dwell over 

and tire out all the good you have ever done.

Give it power with blame and doubt.

Make it bigger than it needs to be,

and Guilt will bury you in your own despair.

Or, 

take the Act as the beginning 

of a chance to practice righteousness:

let go protecting your pride

and the judgments 

which tie you to regret;

with all you are 

feel 

just one memory of contentment,

and commit your every day

in bringing to life that peace you have known, 

and can know again.

Persistence alone through grief

will build the Will,

but soon your arms grow tired.

It is True Love

and a Perfect Faith

that goodness is at the heart of everything, 

which will hold you hugging the Beast

until its eyes 

and anger soften.

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