It is always good to remember that apologies

(True, authentic apologies)

Are not automatic means to an end.

*

We cannot simply put a quarter

Into the “apology/forgiveness machine”

And expect that all is forgotten,

And we go back to doing whatever it is

We want to do.

*

Real apologies take courage,

They take vulnerability,

And they come from a place

Of ownership and responsibility.

*

We are OFFERING an apology,

That may or may not be ACCEPTED.

And even if it IS

That doesn’t mean

That there won’t be any CONSEQUENCES.

*

To truly apologize

We offer the apology,

And then take

(Yes, take!)

WHATEVER WE GET.

*

We acknowledge the impact

That our actions have had,

Whether intentional or not,

And we make no demands.

*

We ask for forgiveness.

And we take what we get.