DEAR READERS: This week is International Forgiveness Week. In years past, I have cited a portion of the lovely poem by George Roemisch, which is appropriately titled "Forgiveness":
Advertisement
"Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet which still clings fast to the heel that crushed it."
In response to many requests from readers to see the entire poem, here it is:
FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is the wind-blown bud which
blooms in placid beauty at Verdun.
Forgiveness is the tiny slate-gray sparrow
which has built its nest of twigs and
string among the shards of glass upon the
wall of shame.
Forgiveness is the child who laughs in merry
ecstasy beneath the toothed fence
that closes in Da Nang.
Forgiveness is the fragrance of the
violet which still clings fast to the
heel that crushed it.
Forgiveness is the broken dream which
hides itself within the corner of the
mind oft called forgetfulness so that it
will not bring pain to the dreamer.
Forgiveness is the reed which stands up
straight and green when nature's mighty
rampage halts, full spent.
Forgiveness is a God who will not leave
us after all we've done.
-- GEORGE ROEMISCH
So, Dear Reader, a gentle reminder: If perchance you are the "heel" that crushed a violet -- this is the week to seek forgiveness. -- LOVE, ABBY