Sunday, August 12, 2012

Unexamined Emotions

Is remorse actually a form of self-centeredness?
Is examining one's own actions a form of arrogance?
Are we to put so little value on ourselves
That we understand our actions matter not to others?

The unexamined life is said to be" not worth living"
Jews, including Jesus, taught repentance and remorse.
Can we make amends if we don't think about our parts
In the conflicts with others in which we find ourselves?

And is remorse useful without a plan for change,
In order to keep often repeated conflict at bay?
Repentance can only lead to relationships
When both parties have an equal stake in peace.

We are given permission to walk away from others
If there is not common value in seeking unity.
We still carry on with the unresolved emotions.
Is there no prescription for how to heal ourselves?

It seems it's not only the sins of suffering parents
That are passed on to generations of their progeny,
But also the unresolved emotional turmoil
That, at death, still infects the parents' souls.


Where are the committed church tribunals,
And those who are ready to act as mediators,
To whom do we take our most precious
Problems in our community relationships?


Many finally pull back from contact with society,
Afraid of the burden of causing more pain.
Forgiveness shouldn't mean foolishly
Knocking on a locked door again and again.

The psychologists say it's depression;
The lawyers say it's the end of love;
The penitents say pray for forgiveness.
Who is willing to help heal the breach?

I have no use for magical churches
That use spells and incantations.
Give me communities committed
To resurrecting dying relationships.