The sting may fade, the ache subside, The sharpest edges, time will hide. A gentle word, a whispered plea, Can mend the breach, set spirits free. The anger cools, the hurt grows less, And peace descends, a soft caress. The slate is wiped, the debt is paid, Forgiveness blooms, a tender glade. But in the quiet of the soul, A different current takes its toll. That ghost of pain, it lingers near, A whispered echo, ever clear. The lesson learned, etched deep inside, A shadow where the wounds reside. The memory stays, a silent guard, Though trust rebuilt, may still be scarred. So easy the release, the letting go, But never quite erased, you know.