Never Forget

to forgive those who sin against you.
Never forget to forget the wrongs that people do.
Never forget to return to your enemy
Love, Forgiveness and Mercy
It is only then, over them, we’ll have the Victory.

Vengeance is Mine, says The Lord, Mine alone to keep.
You have all gone astray, every one of you just like a flock of sheep.
You have no right to exact revenge against your motherland’s brother,
For another sin can never make right the grievous sin of another.
So lay down your arms
cease to do each other harm.
Make Love your weapon of choice.
Then we’ll see a new dawn arrive
and all the land will give voice
To a brand new reality –

“Behold how good and pleasant it is
for brethren to dwell in unity”


Mat:5:24
6:14




This was written during my first trip to Belfast. It was in response to signs and murals I saw everywhere depicting men with ski masks on and guns, with the words “never forget”. Afterwards, this poem was published in the East Belfast Observer!