Forgiveness Poem by richard ilnicki

There exists a peculiar fragrance
in forgiveness.
It defies the empirical finite, those smells
of sacrificial decomposing flesh, those subservient little lambs
without spot or blemish and big innocent eyes
tied tightly to the altar of sacrifice,
slit throats above the fire.

Forgiveness
brings to its knees and embarrasses
the kindest gesture,
the bravest action,
the purest motive,
the most faithful behavior.
It shames the sweetest flower
whose exposed virgin petals breed love
with just one whiff.
Forgiveness pollinates absolution in the garden
and sets the laboring gardener free.

This peculiar fragrance breaks on puropse
the sun-dried leather skin of lust
disguised as love,
some impostor being
the final evisceration of the soul.
Forgiveness takes delight and watches
the liquid Balm of Gilead bathe the root of bitterness
into absolute submission.

Knees down,
on the skin of knees begging
there exists
a peculiar fragrance in forgiveness;
it is the aroma of God,
the odor of His sacrifice.