At times, I have

Pondered the sting of self-inflicted sins and wrongs,

And one deed which I do not have to atone.

At times, I have

Been offensive, discourteous and belligerent,

And was obligated to make amendment.

At times, I have

Transgressed through contempt, arrogance and selfish pride,

And learned that, in due course, self-respect died.

At times, I have

Been wounded by treachery and stored resentment,

And was robbed of all joy and contentment.

At times, I have

Squandered priceless opportunities presented,

And oft regretted they were not completed.

At times, I have

Retaliated in ways that were malicious,

And found that revenge is not delicious.

At times, I have

With much chagrin, done all of these and a whole lot more,

And contritely sought forgiveness by the score.

But no time have

I had to apologize for being gracious,

But found it is receptive and contagious.