Forgiveness

My old friend.

How long have I wrestled with your

beguiling promises?

"Freedom," you said,

"comes only through forgiveness of self."

The audacity!

To say that I am my only captor...

You don't know what I've done.

You don't know what I thought of while doing it.

You don't know how I acted,

When I was caught... if I was caught.

Freedom is a myth for the angels.

Forgiveness is a fable for the saints.

Oh but then she says, "No, forgiveness is a gift for the self.

"And freedom, freedom is your birthright given through life."

My dear, each time you say those serpentine words,

They taste that much sweeter... and sweeter.

So sweet, that I can't help, but whisper them back to you.

Please don't betray me.

Because, I fear that soon,

I will no longer be strong enough

to fight your warm advances.