"Forgive"

[Valentine]

"Forgive'

Suffer the affliction of agony's painful embrace;
Let the wounds of scourge and sorrow, touch your face.
And...when...you are all through and decide-you wish to live,
Thoroughly cleanse your heart and mind...and forgive.

Forgive yourself for all that you may have done;
Then name and forgive others...one by one.
Do not forget...to thank God when you are through;
There was enough love in His heart...to forgive...and love you.

Valentine

[AliMariesDad]

The message of this poem is powerful, and difficult. You name possibly two of the most difficult things for people to do - embrace their pain and forgive themselves. And yet, they are also two of the most necessary things to do. Nice poem.
AMD

[dornicks]

A most sagatious write and it impressed me. To me it speaks of trust,acceptance,honesty and gratitude- the cornerstones of recovry from addiction. Thank you for sharing this,

dornicks

[Mr.E]

Thank god for forgiveness...I enjoyed this,and thanks for sharing...

[Mayflow]

Beautifully written + valuable and sage advice.

[sanctus]

your poetry is impeccable and a true delight to read

[anthonycoll]

Valentine: This piece of poetry has a 'very' special spirit with it. The Lord has said that if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us. Your words are truly enlightening! It seems that Heavenly Father's system of living is what is called 'The Law of the Harvest' - As we sow, so shall we reap! Thanks for reminding me of that 'very' essential, crucial, and imperative principle of living. anthony

[riversidepoet]

How powerful it is to forgive, if we can't forgive others , how can God forgive us

[tropiclands]

I like how you lay out the process of forgiveness! This is so moving and a current struggle of mine right now. Thank you.

[everhopeful]

I really think the idea of self-forgiveness is important to both this poem and life itself; those who tend to hold grudges against themselves also hold them against others, and learning to forgive the self helps us to learn to forgive others. I particularly liked the opening couplet here, a strong image to reflect the underlying message.

[Philip16]

I like how part of your first stanza has to do with "feeling the feelings".
I think if we do not acknowledge anger and hurt, how powerful they are,
then it is hard to move on to the "cleansing" part and then eventually to
appreciation and thankfulness.
I thank you for this poem. I needed it!
Philip16

[Balustrade]

Beautiful and inspring. ALl encompassing theme expressed in short form, adding to its strength.

[mangodog]

Valentine - Forgiveness is my favorite topic! Well done....
and hey your "day" is fast approacing......


drew

[anthonycoll]

After reading this poem again, I felt very touched in my heart and wanted to thank you again for this beautiful and loving work! anthony

[Christopher11]

Forgiving ourselves, is something that is done very well, with the Power and Love of Jesus Christ. But, forgetting everything we have done, is just not an option. It’s all recorded, and even if the button that points left appears worn, there is no doubt it will still work. Making our way to God (His Father), and TRULY forgiving ourselves, truly changes the feelings we have toward ourselves. It’s our return to innocence.
Very much enjoyed!
David

[rupertpupkin]

This is such a wonderful and inspired write. Well done on the most deserving of spotlights for this . Loved it.