Guilt.

The burning aftertaste of violence

My anger got the best of me today, and so I put my younger cousins life on stake

It was heartbreaking to see what I had done

The room was silent except his short and desperate breaths

Knowing I caused that absolutely broke me


What was even more heartbreaking was the fact that he forgave me

While jogging, I received a text from him asking if my mother had gotten mad

I text back “No”, and send him many messages of remorse and love

For him to even think about me was an act of forgiveness I’ll never forget


Later on, I came home to see my mother. Everything was fine before she went to sleep

“I have to talk to you about something”. Next thing I know she is in tears

For the first time in my life she wasn’t on my side, rightfully so

A burning guilt consumed my body, I can’t take this


My mother told me my cousin called

He called to tell her pay no mind

I’m sorry my love, I’ll never take you for granted

such compassion is hard to find


I no longer stand above you, I’ve been brought to my knees

-Pardan