I am more likely to apologize
for something I had no part of
before I seek forgiveness
for my own sins

It is reflexive for me
to convey sympathy
when I know I cannot do
a single thing

But when it is my responsibility
to right a wrong I have committed
I am less willing to admit
that I was in the wrong

Because I know
that in order to fix what I’ve done
I will have to show you
what I hide beneath layers of “I’m fine”

And maybe that’s what apologizing
is all about:
giving the victim a chance to hurt you back
and the better man will accept your outstretched hand first