Forgiveness

 
The devil said Be proud!
The devil said Be cruel
The devil said Take care lest you should appear a fool!
The devil said Forgive, but don't forget - not quite!
And the devil said Be sure you prove that you were in the right!

The Spirit said Be wise!
The Spirit said Be kind!
The Spirit said Be neighborly and think kindly in your mind!
The Spirit said Forgive, and lest there be a doubt -
Call Loving-kindness with her sponge and wipe the matter out!

-W J Hughes