Forgiveness on Demand

I have been told that Nina is ready to forgive but

I know she was dragged to this place.

I know that the others chipped away,

chipped away at her anger and

determination, that they muffled her

objections with persuasions.

And with promises that were

not theirs to make. That is because they

believe it can be repaired, this broken

circle of friends.

 

I know it cannot. Not the way they

imagine. Good as new. Not after a wound

so deep, so carelessly inflicted. And

the casting off was too complete.

 

Yes, I could go to Nina today.

I could say my part and she

could say hers, but the truth

would leave our words

exposed and naked.

It would be nothing more than

an act in two play-ers.

 

ACT I, SCENE ONE

LAREN

(imploringly, crossing hands over chest)

Oh, Nina, I’m so sorry.

NINA

(slowly lifting tear-stained face)

I forgive you, Laren.

(Hallelujah chorus plays in background.)

(fade to reality)

 

The truth is, I am sorry.

I am disgusted by what I

did. But even with that, there is a

a looking-out-for-me side too.

 

I know I have made a start.

I have walked toward sorry

but she has steps to take as well

and healing cannot begin until

she walks toward forgiveness.

 

I hope for a measure of reconciliation

somewhere on the path ahead but we have

not reached that place.

 

Some things are heavy to carry

and yet

you cannot set them down just anywhere.