Forgiveness is a word that breathes life and wellbeing, offering us respite and a sense of community. We live in a complex world that is driven by evolving technology, global uncertainty, and diversity. The way we communicate, work, and interact with one another depends upon our willingness to engage authentically.
Forgiveness is essential to achieve this authenticity. Forgiveness is a personal journey that requires self-reflection and a belief that letting go of negative emotions will being a sense of joy. When we embrace forgiveness, we contribute to a kinder and more compassionate society.
In his poem, Forgiveness, John Greenleaf Whittier shares his experience of having kindness answered with “foul wrong”.
Forgiveness
by John Greenleaf Whittier
My heart was heavy, for its trust had been
Abused, its kindness answered with foul wrong;
So, turning gloomily from my fellow-men,
One summer Sabbath day I strolled among
The green mounds of the village burial-place;
Where, pondering how all human love and hate
Find one sad level; and how, soon or late,
Wronged and wrongdoer, each with meekened face,
And cold hands folded over a still heart,
Pass the green threshold of our common grave,
Whither all footsteps tend, whence none depart,
Awed for myself, and pitying my race,
Our common sorrow, like a mighty wave,
Swept all my pride away, and trembling I forgave!
Who was John Greenleaf Whittier?
John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was an American poet and abolitionist. He was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and grew up in a Quaker family. Whittier’s poetry focused on various themes, including nature, love, and social justice.
Whittier gained recognition for his advocacy against slavery. His anti-slavery poems and writings played a significant role in shaping public opinion and raising awareness about the injustices of slavery during the mid-19th century. He was an active supporter of the abolitionist movement and worked closely with prominent activists such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Whittier’s writings and activism made a lasting impact on American literature and the fight for social justice. His commitment to equality and his eloquent verse continue to inspire readers today.
St. James Cemetery
St James Cemetery, located in Bath, United Kingdom, has a rich history spanning several centuries. Over the years, St James Cemetery has continued to be a place of remembrance and tranquility. The burial ground offers a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore the paths lined with gravestones that bear witness to the history of Bath and its inhabitants.
Photography and Voice by Rebecca Budd
Music by Gavin Luke “Greater Than You Or I” Epidemic Sound
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