My mother once told me,
"I forgive but never forget,"
which at first made sense,
to my ignorant little mind.

Why would I forget,
all the bad things said?
All the venom once spit,
in my ears and face.

But when I found myself trying to live my life,
built on grudges and animosity,
I found myself struggling to stay alive,
I was living the wrong philosophy.

I had an insatiable appetite,
for life and love,
neither of which I could get,
with this bitter taste in my mouth.

So I broke loose,
of the memories that once scarred me.
Now I forgive and forget,
so no memories can bar me.