the woman, unimagined, at your feet kneels
and wets your skin with her tears,
still warm, like kisses
with no strings
attached, thanking you for her freedom–
the claim they had on her, the guests round the table,
dissolves in the wake of the look, un-searching, you give
no strings attached
THIS POEM APPEARS IN MY BOOK “Outside the Fairy Tale”
Available on Amazon

The freedom that comes with forgiveness is life-changing. It’s the exact opposite of the withering effect of condemnation, or the misplaced judgment of a community. Forgiveness takes us in. Acknowledges our worth. Restores our dignity. Speaks a word of peace and security to our souls. Details fade into the background as the face of God fills the frame, and he speaks our name, with love.