Absolution

For this Sunday's prompt, mindlovemisery asks us to choose a song from the decade of our birth and then write a poem inspired by the song. I grew up listening to my parents' original Broadway recording of HAIR (1968) and always loved this song. As a child, I'm sure I didn't understand the meaning entirely, but it moved me nonetheless.

This is the 1979 version by Cheryl Barnes from the movie. I think it's even better than the original.

You brought home strays

Tended to their wounds

Helped them heal

and loved them all the more for biting you

You forgave your father

for hitting you

You forgave your mother

for not stopping him

You forgave your sister

for leaving

You forgave your friends

for being traitors

You took every hurt

and made it a medal

to pin on your heart

But you could never absolve me

from loving you.

submitted for mindlovemisery, Prompt 4, Music and
Poets United, Poetry Pantry 150 and
Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, Open Link Monday