Forgive Yourself First

By Dinny Paul

Did you sleep in peace last night, my friend,

After words like knives you chose to send?

Did tearing me down ease your pain,

Or did silence echo once again?

What joy did you find in your disdain?

Did I ever truly cause you pain?

Or was I just a mirror clear,

Reflecting parts you couldn't bear near?

Then hear me now, just one small plea:

Don't waste your soul on hating me.

I'm a fool, I know—I'll own my part,

But why give me rent inside your heart?

Your time is gold, your spirit rare,

Yet you toss it in the cold night air.

But if you did sleep sound and deep,

If darkness gave your conscience sleep,

"Be sure your sin will find you out,"

The Bible whispers loud with doubt.

And though I’ve already set you free,

Released the chains you forged for me,

The hardest cell you cannot flee

Is locked and held by your own key.

Hatred, like a drug, consumes,

It fills bright hearts with darkest fumes.

You loathe me, yet it’s clear to see

The one you truly hate is thee.

So let it go. Forgive. Move on.

Let sunrise break, let night be gone.

For hatred’s cost is far too high

It eats the soul and bleeds it dry

By Dinny Paul