GRUDGES

The load was getting heavier,
the parcels burdensome.
“How long must I still carry these?”
Who can decide when this is done?

He stopped to check each little package.
He really had a lot.
It’s not surprising that the load he carried,
with each step heavier got.

There was the time he was insulted,
he had made sure not to forget.
he carried that for quite a while,
and it seemed heavy yet.

She did remember once,
there was a fight they had,
Not sure what it was all about
But that was one she’ll not forgive.
Of that there is no doubt.

And then there was the time,
he stepped across my boundary.
Yes, that was reason to withdraw
with anger ~~ such a tragedy.

And every day they added more to their collection;
He would not let them off the hook.
She had a perfect memory of the other’s deeds.
In fact, they wrote them in their book.

But something happened in his heart,
as he was down upon his knees.
One word, “Forgive,” He said; showed me His book.
“Here, child, have you seen these?”

And it was then and there that he declared,
“I’ll never carry grudges.
Whether insulted, wounded, grieved,
I will give all to Him who judges

The deeds and motives of mankind.
He can be trusted every way.
I wasn’t meant to carry such a load!
And now I’m carefree every day!

I will no longer chain someone
to me with my perceptions!
I’ll set them free! Then both of us
will benefit from healthier relation."

Karin Ristau