So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:19)

After leaving I said,
“I know how I was hurt. But tell me how you were affected.
I’d really like to know your side.”
But an answer did not come, not for me.

“I’ll talk to your counselor or your new pastor.”
As in so many cases before,
I myself wasn’t spoken to.

Today I’m learning what he had experienced.
At least some. I hear it through friends.
And I feel smitten, wondering how to defend myself
against people’s thoughts and feelings.

I wish I had known the wrong I was doing,
to spend so much time at the shop.
I wish it had been impressed on me
so I could understand.
Firm boundaries placed to hold me accountable.
I badly needed that.

If I wronged you,
did it warrant damaging me with words and actions as you did?
Why couldn’t we have talked,
as one human being speaking to another?

marja