010-05

Don’t answer harm
With harm

Not because it’s small
But because it spreads

I won’t repay
What was done to me

I won’t say
Now it’s my turn

I step back
From the reflex
To strike

Peace
As far as it depends on me

Not surrender
Not denial
Just my part

I leave retaliation
Out of my hands

I don’t carry
What poisons me

Justice is real
But it’s not mine
To execute

You say
Hit back

He says
Don’t mirror the blow

You say
Protect yourself

He says
Protect your heart

Loving my enemy
Does not erase the wrong

It stops the wrong
From rewriting me

Be still
Don’t burn inside

Let go
Of rage

It only breeds
More harm

I leave retaliation
Out of my hands

I don’t need to win
To stay whole

As far as it depends on me
I choose peace

This is not weakness
This is restraint

And restraint
Takes strength