Forgiveness

By Pauline Olthof-Youn

A sliver of hope that there can be change, 
And holding out an olive branch to you, 
Wrapped up in an apology, like a dumpling, 
Loud cries of joy and relief are emitted 

Like the sound a bookshelf makes when it clatters and shakes 
On an eve when we are playing vinyl records 
Wearing trousers and drinking mugs of hot chocolate. 
Forgiveness? 
Yes, life is too short not to give it away 

Pauline Olthof-Youn is a high school English teacher who works with at-risk youth. In her free time, she loves to go bowling, walk, watch movies and travel. She is currently learning Italian for a trip to Italy as well as practicing Dutch.