Forgiving

There will come a time when,
with great despair
and hope,
you will kneel and beg forgiveness.
And the hard ground will resist you,
and your knees will ache
as your heart aches
with grief
and mourning.
Sweat and tears will trickle
down your face
weighted with sadness.
The smell of fear will engulf you.
Breathe it in.
It will give you courage.
Drink your salty tears.
They will give you new life.
You will be born again into the world,
tiny and fresh
and vulnerable.
You will need help.
Ask for it.
You should cry, and eat,
and sleep.
And play.
Look at the world with wonder
and give thanks.
You are forgiven.

-Shelby Lucas Slowey