Pardon

i stand before
the abyss
staring down
into its darkness

there is no quarter
or clemency granted
from this remorse

my anguish,
a testament
to ultimate
responsibility

actions
never sanctioned
by consciousness,
but instinctually dictated
by circumstances

loneliness
and suffering
are not my fate

closure
lies in forgiveness,
ending a long
sentence of
voluntary suffering

karmic debt paid
sentence served

as passion
slowly reclaims
a once
dormant heart

i feel your warm embrace
and quiet strength

both long since forgotten

love is returning