Do we forgive them for leaving too often—or forever—when we were little?
For scaring us with sudden rage, or unsettling us with its absence?
Do we forgive our fathers for marrying, or not marrying our mothers?
For divorcing, or not divorcing?

And shall we forgive them for their excesses of warmth or coldness?
For pushing, or leaning?
For shutting doors, or speaking through walls?
For never speaking—or never being silent?

Do we forgive them in our age, or in theirs?
Or in their deaths, whether we say it or not?

If we forgive our fathers… what remains?
Maybe—just maybe—a peaceful heart. ❤️🙏

©️ Beatriz Esmer