Esau
There is no fiat for forgiveness.
It emerges timid as a wintry dawn
after a threadbare night
when anger’s cobbling
can hold no more.
There is no period on forgiveness.
It must keep on and on.
Esau outstretches with open embrace,
and longs for trust entwined again.
There is knowing in the touching.
Still Jacob turns away
loaded with Laban’s possessions,
limping with Bethel blessing.
So the first-born picks up the old cloak of guilt and sorrow
and measures his twin in the cloud of dust.
In this journey of grace,
forgiveness strains forward yet again
and relinquishes winning.
Embrace may be warmth enough.
Sharonne Price