To A Little Boy

Sorry this note reaches you late
But better late than never.

I forgive you.

I forgive you for the things you did;
You’re not the one who did anything wrong.

I forgive you for not saying “no”;
You were unaware you had that right.

I forgive you for not seeing the truth of what went on;
You couldn’t have understood it.

I forgive you for “liking it”;
It only proves you really were normal.

I forgive you for asking them to keep it a secret;
You had no way of knowing they were the only ones with a secret to keep.

I forgive you for thinking you missed it after you left;
They forced you to feel that way.

I forgive you for not telling anyone;
The burden was already too big for your shoulders.

I forgive you for hating the person you were;
Your yardstick wasn’t as accurate as you thought.

I forgive you for not forgiving yourself;
You had no idea that such was your place.

I forgive you for the guilt, shame, and anger you’ve held for so long;
There was no other way you could’ve felt.

I forgive you for taking so long to write this note;
Better late than never.

I forgive you.

Josh,

This is such a moving poem and says so much, just as it is. Here's another perspective. Try the same poem, but everywhere you say "I forgive you for", replace that with "I love you and I understand why you...." What do you think?

Your first point is the most important one: Little Josh did nothing wrong.

Much love,
Larry

wow, Josh, for your age you are very insightful. I'm forty two and still not sure if I have forgiven myself for everything yet... That is very helpful.
Riv

Good job!

This why I like reading other folks' posts: I learn from them.

Andy

Josh - I hope you find some deserved relief from writing this. The real irony is....you never did anything that needed forgiving anyway. - John

O.
My.
God.

My life in a box. Thank you. You are a beautiful poet...PLEASE keep writing

Josh,

I go along with what they said.

Thanks,

John

Thanks Josh. I too forgive my self, (Most of the time), then I have to remember to do it again

Darrel

I think it is a very good idea, for a mental exercise. Unfortunately, I can't actually change the poem as it's written - I'm sticky like that - but I do like the suggestion.