Forgiveness

Look at him.
Torn, ragged, bloody, beaten.
Look at how his shoulders droop,
his eyes downcast.

Pathetic.
He will not stand straight.
He will not admit to his treachery.
The stones will teach him.

And all those people
who believed him.
They should be up there too,
with those other sinners.

Then he spoke.
Though only those who chose
to listen
heard him.

You are forgiven.