Jun 13, 2025

'The Weighing' by Jane Hirshfield

The heart's reasons seen clearly, even the hardest will carry its whip-marks and sadness and must be forgiven. As the drought-starved eland forgives the drought-starved lion who finally takes her, enters willingly then the life she cannot refuse, and is lion, is fed, and does not remember the other. So few grains of happiness measured against all the dark and still the scales balance. The world asks of us only the strength we have and we give it. Then it asks more, and we give it. ... [Read more]

Seed questions for reflection: What do you make of the notion that even the hardest hearts carry whip-marks and sadness that when seen, give us the power to forgive? Can you share a personal story where you found yourself able to forgive, even when the situation seemed unforgiving and harsh? What helps you find those few grains of happiness that balances all the dark you perceive?