Will I Ever Learn?

This poem came out of much soul searching. I felt that I had a right to judge others, but somehow that didn't make me feel 'righteous'. When I finished this, I realized that I was the one who needed the help! I needed to learn to forgive and not just forgive but forget too.
This was written ten of more years ago. It has proven to be a critical step in my personal growth - both spiritual and emotional. I realized that all was not hopeless for me, but filled with opportunities for joy.


WILL I EVER LEARN?
My neighbour came to me one day for help.
I said, "I am too busy."
He came again another day,
I hid behind the curtain and refused to let him in.
Will I ever learn to share another's burdens?
He approached me on the street
In ragged clothes, with hands outstretched.
My soul was chilled with condemnation.
I turned me head and walked away.
Will I ever learn to feel another's pain?
He broke into my space; he stole from me
Some precious worldly goods.
At his trial, I shouted, "Justice!"
What I really wanted was revenge.
Will I ever learn forgiveness?
"How do you plead?" the judge called out.
My neighbour sadly looked at me.
"I asked for mercy, but no one listened.
I begged for human understanding
But only silence came in answer."
(Will I ever learn to care?)
"My children cried from hunger, I could not bear it!
In desperation, I stole from my neighbour
To feed my sick and starving babes."
Will I ever learn to share my worldly wealth?
Only as my neighbour was led away,
Did I recall the Saviour's gentle warning;
"If you did it not for one of my children,
You did it not for me!"
WILL I EVER BE FORGIVEN?
...sfstevens