You did nothing wrong
– nothing that everyone else already does.
Yours is not a unique crime
or any special shame.
It’s not your fault.
You’re not so bad.

You have no sin that’s original.
You’ve hurt no one
so grievously
that it can’t be forgiven.

You are no arch villain
twiddling mustachios in the night
or any other hour of the evil day.

Yours is not the worst thing done,
not even close.
There is no hell awaiting you
not unless you step up your game.