I Am Sorry

I am sorry to cause pain, sorrow or hurt
to a friend I hold dear in my heart.
Life is not easy for body and soul
who must live in a cold, harsh world.

I am sorry at the depth of my heart
it’s not right to criticize or control.
Often the soul, so tender and fragile,
lives in a mist of confusion and doubt.
Guilt and power, easy tools to use,
are taught so early in life.
Why aren’t we taught to love with compassion
to share, be gentle and kind?

I am sorry to cause pain, not easily forgotten
from jealousy, anger or cold silence.
When two souls collide, so fragile and confused,
great accidents of hurt paralyze.
The handicapped soul
needs a crutch to survive,
often anger, revenge or self-pity.

I am truly sorry, at the depth of my soul
to be hurting a person I love.
I vow to learn, from my unwise ways,
to be gentle and kind
to support with compassion,
a valued friend so cherished in life.

Poetry and Graphic by Patricia Walter 1998 ©