by Carley Gyles

Created on: March 15, 2011

Forgiving Life

Have I learned from my past?
What will I carry into my future?

Instead of feeling guilt because I am still alive,
I embrace the fact that I am.

Harboring anger for past pain inflicted upon me fades
and I am strong because of it.

Tears of frustration are replaced by rediscovery of laughter.
Fear is replaced by anticipated happiness.

Reunion replaces years of estrangement from family.
The sorrow of distance gives way and is gone.

Were it not for having been made a spectacle,
I could not have empathy.
For the downtrodden, I can feel pain.

Leaving the sickening and hollow emptiness 
of saying good-bye,
I now embrace, "Hello."

These are lessons of my life.

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