I knew the keys
for my future
happiness would be
forgiveness;
closure.
I prepared a pyre,
then gazing
at the flames
meditating on
purifying,
transforming
through fire.
burning the cause
of my pain;
the letters,
one by one.
First one lit;
an heirloom of Mother’s
naivety?
Stupidity?
Irresponsibility?
Telling
my father in law
I put my daughter
In your hands.
Looking at me
over the letter
he mockingly
said
What a foolish
woman
signing you
away to me.
Twenty years
old, an unloved
mill stone.
Second
bitter letter lit;
It was your daughter
who encouraged
my son to
take drugs
and attempt
suicide .
This lie sent
to my family;
wiping his hands
off his son’s pain.
I cried to the sky
I send you love and
hope you have found
peace in the afterlife,
I forgive you for the hurt
that you have caused me.
As I held
my husband’s
constant hand.
The letters burnt
their last bright
existence and
then crumpled
into a little
pile
of
ash
