The Rabbi Spoke
on Yom Kippur of
the importance of 
Forgiveness.
He acknowledged the
pain of rejection, of
insult,
rebuke,
abuse,
and the daily burden of
carrying unwanted memories. 

Let them go
he implored us.
Let them go and be
Free.
Free of the spirits 
occupying too much space 
in your mind,
leaving little room for
Peace,
Love and
Joy 
that surrounds us.
Letting go does not require
forgiveness.
He said,
Letting go offers us
Freedom.

The Rabbi spoke,
And I listened.
Let it go,
I told myself.
Let go of the
anger, 
frustration, 
hatred brought on by
him, by her, by all of them,
all the unwanted residents
occupying valuable memory space. 

Let go of 
Guilt
You carry each day 
for your own
Misgivings,
Regrets,
Actions and
Inactions.
You need not offer false 
Forgiveness.
You just need to 
Let it go.
Let it go.
Let it all go, and be
Free.

Barbara Schilling Hurwitz is a veteran teacher who has found a new voice through creative writing. She also enjoys reading, crafts and photography.