(With apologies to William Blake)
A parable of enmity
unfolds beneath A Poison Tree
as animosity withheld
evolves until the foe is felled.
The grievance that is unexpressed
becomes corruption manifest
in harvest that exacts its price
from victims who will suffer twice.
Another death to celebrate,
another seed to germinate
and flourish in a toxic mix
unless contrition interdicts.
“Poetic justice,” some will say,
but vengeance tends to ricochet.
When anger grabs you by the throat,
forgiveness is the antidote.
2017 Mary Boren
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