I’d Rather

I’d rather give a guilty man

another chance

than accuse the innocent

of having guilty hands.

I’d rather mistake offenses

for good intentions

than wrongfully create

division and opposition.

I’d rather choose

to believe the best

than refuse my chance

at peacefulness.

I’d rather express

mercy by love

than confess to be

a merciless judge.

I must show compassion

and charitable trust,

for goodness is eternal,

and eternity is just.