When Hope Rises: Forged in Grief, Dusting Off Blame

Grief firms belief in what can't be seen,

Leap of faith brings the relief I need.

Regret dug the hole I fell in,

Hate blows cold as winter wind.

Yet I remain whole and sound and safe,

The test grows, my will does not waive.

Negativity tastes not sweet,

But bitter, harsh, absinthe-acute.

How humanity has degraded,

Weapon of old faults I've laid down.

Grudges cannot fade

With cleverness I've put away,

The dust from my shoulders I've blown.

You keep the hatred if you must,

Evil will never fall to dust

Till we see each other's worth

And heal the pain that split us both.

Compassion cools regret's fire,

Forgiveness lifts desire's ire,

Let go the grudges that divide

Walk the path, side by side.

Better to make peace within,

Than grind harsh grudges to the end.

Love is the light that parts life's gloom,

Understanding grants us room

To lay down weapons, dust off blame,

Heal each other's hearts the same.