Poem #290 Stained garments

"Penance!"

"Penance!" The son cried.

"I have come to seek penance for the pain,

and suffering I caused you.

You offered life and love freely,

and I took it and abused it,

I twisted it till it was a pale shadow

of the gift it was meant to be.

So today Father, I seek penance.

I bring you all I have.

My stained garments and broken instruments,

meager reparations for the damage I've inflicted."

The Father gathers the son in a loving embrace,

and whispers to his very soul;

"Forgiven,

you are forgiven,

your debts have been paid.

Give me your garments,

take mine instead;

they are whiter than snow.

Take up my instruments,

and play me a song.

I have missed your voice.

Come home, my son,

you've been gone long enough."