how many layers
what depths of strata
are sufficient for interment
it's six feet under for a body
but what's needed to bury deep
failures of omission and commission
twists and distortions of mind and spirit
those things of which our souls are afraid
though we find the old labels disturbing
iniquities, transgressions and sins
whether acknowledged or not
uncomfortable or worse
disturbance too great
to take ownership
a risk too far
easier to deny
to hide from them
pretend their not mine
but I can't forever evade
be on the run, trying to escape
who I am good, bad and indifferent
responsibility, the start of becoming
honesty, the beginning of wisdom
opens the door to forgiveness


Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
5th April 2025
following Psalm 32.5-6