A Round Table Conversation
'A Round Table Conversation' explores the inner dialogue between Bitterness, Anger, and Forgiveness. In a tense and quiet setting, emotions clash as the heart wrestles with pain, pride, and release.
HUMAN EXPERIENCES
Sharifah Francis
3/14/20261 min read
There is no sound,
only the tap's occasional dripping.
The light flickers dimly,
the silence is loud.
Bitterness grumbles,
"this isn't fair.
To trust so wholeheartedly,
only to be thrown in the dirt."
Its complaints get louder.
"and kicked,
spat at...
respect crushed under foot."
Forgiveness taps its shoulder.
"It's evident it hurt;
broke something inside,
but don't exaggerate."
Anger screams, "you don't understand.
The humiliation received.
Believing in truth,
only to find out they were lies."
Forgiveness lets out a small smile.
"People may never apologize,
or never realize they hurt you.
Release them and what was left behind."
Bitterness slams the table.
"WHY?
Are my feelings worth nothing?
Should I be trampled all the time."
Anger burns with rage,
pointing fingers at Forgiveness.
"You are siding with them too,
I really detest you."
Forgiveness looks on quietly.
"Swallow your pride.
Bitterness you'll become toxic,
Anger you'll be consumed."
"Holding onto another,
does it appease you?
Unless you enjoy holding onto them dearly.
Then please, help yourself."
"Look at yourself.
Is your peace of mind worth destroying?
Stop looking at them for a sorry.
This release is for you."
Reflection:
This poem is a reminder that we can often hold onto hurt, while we wait for an apology that may never come. Bitterness and anger can feel justified, but they only weigh us down. Forgiveness is not forgetting - it's simply choosing to let go. Not for the sake of others, but for our own peace. Release is a process, and the flickering moments of discomfort are part of growth.