IF ONLY THE PAIN WOULD LEAVE

If only the pain would leave. I know it won’t, not for a long while. Pain is there to remind us of just how foolish we have been. Reconciling logic is simple; it’s far harder to fathom the truth hidden beneath anger, loss and competition. Reliving mistakes and misunderstandings reinforces the hurt well; acceptance that there was an unchosen path provides an indelible, yet avoidable sting to prolong the pain.  

In spite of this, pain is relative; one chooses its severity whilst grappling with its impact. However well this is accomplished is for the bearer’s speculation alone. Pain is a process; it will hurt - that’s what pain does - it will unpredictably hurt in ways never before imagined.

 The pain borne of guilt, loss and shame forgives the least. To be absolved is to be free from the causes of pain. Exoneration does nothing to lessen the harm endured; only time can do this. Forgiveness should enable us to soothe the hurt, but it doesn’t, rather, we question the generosity of those who forgive, and ask why they do.

If only the pain was absent - it would mean you were too.