Dear christians, I have embarked
upon a crusade of my own
against the phrase
I’m sorry you were hurt
by the church,
because this apology
does not come from you.
It does not say
”I’m sorry I hurt you,”
”I taught you the wrong things,”
or “I’m sorry I sowed shame
so deeply that you’re still
plucking those weeds today.”
Instead, it blames a group,
an idea, or a building
you can easily distance
yourself from.
And that apology is conditional
upon an eventual return to belief.
If I die an atheist—
if the Magic 8-Ball
of my experience and intellect
continues to read
“All signs point to no,”
you will sigh
at my stubbornness
and apologize no more.
Still, don't worry,
I am not saving myself
for forgiveness.
I'd give it away
like the heathen I am
to the the first real
apology I get.