A Bitter Truth

I have learned 
A bitter truth…

When you forge an enemy

In the furnace of derision

You may never retract

From that fiery kiln.

Efforts of reconciliation aside

There remains on the face

Of the matter

That old scorn and contempt

Upon which the struggle commenced.

Forgiveness may be sincerely extended

But in the deep dark of night

There is ever that glowing ember

Which ignited the old conflagration.

Such is war

And it ever remains

Until God alone

Makes all things new.