It is sometimes as easy to say as “pass the salt and pepper.”
Not much harder than “excuse me” or “you’re first.”
Just another daily transaction, a dab of social lubricant.
Sometimes though, the words catch in the throat.
Muscles tighten in the neck to hold them in.
Resentment might narrow the eyes slightly as the fingers clench.
“I will not apologize for anything!”
Sometimes the body stiffens and the eyes widen.
A fluttery stomach churns acidic discomfort.
Freeze or run are the conflicting impulses confusing the legs and feet.
“I want to be anywhere but here!”
So simple to say “I’m sorry.”
What a relief to confess one’s actions and remorse.
What closure to make amends and restitution.
To put an end to it … and to return to love … again.
Why don’t we say I’m sorry more often?
(c) Sam Trumbore (2020)
From sermon titled: Return to Love … Again