Inklilngs 2024

Forgiveness Emma Perdigon ’25 To what extent is empathy extended? How long will it take for hearts to be mended? To forgive as an immediate response is to punish yourself but not to forgive is equally as painful To live with the weight of unforgiveness is more suffocating than the latter How long can you wait? Guilt encroaching on you in a soft patter It is just like fishing When I used to go with my dad I sat on the boat wishing For a fish to snag I reel it in slowly Until I see it emerge I scream “I finally did it, holy moly” My dad laughs, and I feel happiness surge Then comes the decision Do I let it off the hook I have tunnel vision The fish would taste so yummy if cooked But the fish is so desperate to escape And I think of how I would feel if I was in its place But my thoughts were cut short when my dad comes up with measuring tape The fish is too small, so we let it go with grace As I battle with this internal monologue that is entirely confusing I know my classic response to conflict is looming And so I say, despite the grey “I forgive you” 13