I have no enemies

sitting inside an open cage

I Have No Enemies

Forgiveness is a gift you give the guilty.

Forgiveness has to be deserved.

Forgiveness is only fair after retaliation.

Forgiveness this, forgiveness that.

so, we keep feeding our grudges.

Feeding them memory.

Feeding them names.

Feeding them every version where we are the victim.

Until resentment becomes our prison.

Days turn into weeks.

Weeks turn into months.

Months quietly become years.

Sitting inside an open cage,

guarding our wound like treasure,

refusing to step through the door

just to protect a fragile ego.

Forgiveness is not reconciliation.

Forgiveness is not approval.

Forgiveness is not forgetting.

Forgiveness is freeing your own heart from resentment.

So please, open your hands.

Yes, you may look foolish.

Yes, your pride will scream that someone must pay.

But unclench your fists.

Forgiveness is a gift you owe yourself.

Laying down what your heart was never meant to carry.

Leaving yesterday where yesterday belongs,

and walking into your own life lighter than before.