Wearing Wounds Poem by Paul Schneiter

It takes a spine spun of steel
to forgive a hateful infliction.
Many are wont to let it fester
mining malignity of malediction.

For them 'tis a wound to wear
with self-righteous indignation.
They herald the hurt as if a gift
and announce it in celebration.

The soul though is not deceived.
It chides for scarcity of charity.
Holding a grudge for what is past
presupposes mindless temerity.

Counsel to forgive eludes them
divine admonition they shame.
Seasons pass before they grasp
they self-inflicted their pain.