Forgiveness by John Greenleaf Whittier

S6 E8: Forgiveness by John Greenleaf WhittierWelcome to Rebecca’s Reading Room.Today’s reading is a poem by the American poet John Greenleaf Whittier titled Forgiveness. I recorded this recitation while walking through a cemetery in Bath, England, a place where the quiet presence of history invites us to reflect on our shared human journey.Whittier’s poem reminds us that life is brief, that pride often weighs heavily on the heart, and that forgiveness can arrive in the most unexpected moments.I invite you to listen slowly, and perhaps allow these words to settle where they need to.Rebecca In his poem, Forgiveness, John Greenleaf Whittier shares his experience of having kindness answered with “foul wrong”.Forgivenessby John Greenleaf WhittierMy heart was heavy, for its trust had beenAbused, its kindness answered with foul wrong;So, turning gloomily from my fellow-men,One summer Sabbath day I strolled amongThe green mounds of the village burial-place;Where, pondering how all human love and hateFind one sad level; and how, soon or late,Wronged and wrongdoer, each with meekened face,And cold hands folded over a still heart,Pass the green threshold of our common grave,Whither all footsteps tend, whence none depart,Awed for myself, and pitying my race,Our common sorrow, like a mighty wave,Swept all my pride away, and trembling I forgave!Who was John Greenleaf Whittier?John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was an American poet and abolitionist. He was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and grew up in a Quaker family. Whittier’s poetry focused on various themes, including nature, love, and social justice.Whittier gained recognition for his advocacy against slavery. His anti-slavery poems and writings played a significant role in shaping public opinion and raising awareness about the injustices of slavery during the mid-19th century. He was an active supporter of the abolitionist movement and worked closely with prominent activists such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe.Whittier’s writings and activism made a lasting impact on American literature and the fight for social justice. His commitment to equality and his eloquent verse continue to inspire readers today.St. James CemeterySt James Cemetery, located in Bath, United Kingdom, has a rich history spanning several centuries.  Over the years, St James Cemetery has continued to be a place of remembrance and tranquility. The burial ground offers a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore the paths lined with gravestones that bear witness to the history of Bath and its inhabitants.Photography and Voice by Rebecca BuddMusic by Epidemic Sound Gavin Luke “Greater Than You Or I” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/PZ8SYBCM0D/