All day it ran in rivulets
Down my parched and shriveled spirit
Quickening
Refreshing
Restoring.

Quiet joy --
Deliverance from the evil
Of a grudge
Too long carried.
Forgetting to remember
Hard words
Cruel treatment
Shattered dreams.

Whence came this freedom?
This disencumbrance
From the torment of self-abuse,
Of rankling soreness
Recapitulated
Recited
Relived
Day after weary day?

It was not eagerly sought,
This letting go.
Carefully carried,
Nurtured,
Smoldering, precious resentment
Must be kept alive
Lest my very being perish
With its obliteration.

"Forgive, if you would be forgiven."
Perhaps someone was praying.
The desire was not my own
To relinquish the sullen malevolence.

A struggle, then release.
Renunciation
Relief
Tumbled in healing continuity.
All day the golden river flowed
Forgiveness transforming anger
Into a deep and abiding peace.