Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the blot. I am pristine,
Unblemished, unambiguously true
To all my principles and, unlike you,
My soul has never lost that lovely sheen
They leave the factory with. I was sixteen
When I began to comprehend this stew
Of salt and sour, our chains. Without a clue
From anyone, I managed to stay clean.

You must think I’m completely addle-pated,
An innocent, prepared to take a hit
Right through the heart. So sit yourself down. Sit,
And listen to what can’t be overstated:
Forgiveness is distinctly overrated,
And I’m just not inclined to offer it.