Forgiven But Not Forgotten

She sits and stares    
sad eyes fixed on the crucifix
 on the church wall    
She turns her face downward  
placing her hands in her lap    
and prays to God    
'I forgive them, Lord!    
I forgive them all    
even the two men    
who took turns raping me    
and the other men and women    
who knowingly or
even unknowingly
 harmed me    
I do not hate them    
I pity them    
but mostly I forgive them    
even though their trespasses    
will never be forgotten    
so that I too  
who have also sinned    
may be forgiven'