Forgiveness rides a white horse. I used to see him riding bareback along the beach, his long hair tousled and free.
I was dating Anger at the time, a short, passionate affair. Anger taught me how to swear and use my voice, how to move, and to appreciate my body. Our lovemaking was always furious and fast, a burning release after a day of simmering passion. He kept me away from my friends, though. Especially from Joy. She would call me, worried, and I’d lie to her about how happy I was. After a few months of seeing Anger every day, I was exhausted. When I said I needed space, he shrugged, kissed me quickly one more time, and I’ve barely seen him since.
I’m doing Tai Chi now instead of kickboxing. Forgiveness comes to the class too. I watch his graceful movements when he isn’t looking, so poised and flexible. Yesterday I smiled shyly at him and he smiled back. After class, we grabbed a juice and talked about our favourite books. Turns out that we have a lot in common, and I like how relaxed I feel around him. I told him about how I missed Anger’s passion in my life.
Forgiveness looked deep into my eyes until I softened and swayed. He kissed me long, slowly, sweetly, and I felt the cold places in my heart melt away. We went for a ride on his white horse afterwards, splashing through the waves. I hung onto his waist, my hair tousled and free, sea spray in my face, sunshine on my back.
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How would you write a Forgiveness story? There is no right answer – there is only your answer. Consider these prompts…
- What does Forgiveness look like for you?
- Female, male, binary?
- Hair colour and length?
- Eye colour?
- What does Forgiveness wear?
- Is there an animal that wants to be in your Forgiveness story?
- Where does Forgiveness live?
- Any favourite hobbies, music style, quirks?
- Is it day or night?
- Inside or outside?
- What kind of room or landscape?
- Any nature elements?
- Are there any other characters that want to be in your story?
When you are ready, let your fingers start to flow – don’t edit, just let the words land on the page.
TIP: If you have a blank about starting – write this – “What I really want to say about Forgiveness is … ” and trust what flows next.