Forgive

Summary

The text is a reflective poem encouraging personal growth and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of letting go of past burdens for one's own well-being.

Abstract

The poem titled "Forgive" delves into the emotional journey of overcoming the pain inflicted by an ex-husband, metaphorically referred to as "the bastard." It suggests that the anger directed towards him is misplaced and that the real issue lies within oneself, as the individual chose to be with him. The narrative encourages self-forgiveness and acceptance of past choices, advocating for personal responsibility without self-condemnation. The poem highlights the growth that comes from learning from past experiences and the liberation that forgiveness brings. It concludes by urging the reader to release the weight of past grievances for their own peace, comparing the burden of unforgiveness to the mythical weight carried by Atlas.

Opinions

The author posits that holding onto resentment towards an ex-partner is akin to self-harm, as it prevents personal growth and healing.
Self-forgiveness is presented as a necessary step towards emotional freedom, more so than seeking forgiveness from others.
The poem implies that past choices, even if regrettable, contribute to one's current wisdom and strength.
It criticizes the tendency to blame others for our own choices and encourages taking responsibility for our past without self-recrimination.
The author suggests that forgiveness is not for the benefit of others but rather a self-cleansing act that washes away emotional burdens.
The reference to Atlas symbolically represents the heavy burden of carrying past emotional pains and the relief that comes from forgiveness.

For your sake

Yeah, I know you’re not Jesus Christ. At least, not yet, but someday you will thrive. You said you can’t forgive the ex husband, “the bastard”. He hurt you in a way you can’t stand. But who chose him to be beside? Wasn’t it you, the proud bride? So, you’re not mad at him, yourself is your real problem. It’s like you’ve swallowed a self-offender. You can’t accept you didn’t see, or the fact that you saw and you didn’t admit. It’s OK; This was the best you could be. You are not the same now, you are wider somehow. So, instead of blaming him or you, observe those things you learned and move. Take responsibility for your choices, but stop sending in court your self and your boys… Don’t get stuck there. Flow and dare; dare to forgive yourself and the fellow brothers. Forgive for your sake, not for the sake of others. As long as you keep the weight of things like that, your shoulders will feel like the ones of Atlas. Release all those past-ghosts and hunters, Do it for you; wash away your burdens.

Anthi Psomiadou — CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International : Credit must be given to the creator/ Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted/ No derivatives

Friday’s Prompt: Wash away your burdens

Forgive

For your sake

The Hydras within us all

Criminality doesn’t come from elsewhere. It is born here.