It Is A No Apology

  

 

An apology is not an apology

If it is forced,

Or “I am sorry I married you”

Before a divorce.

 

“You will not go out to play

Until you apologize.”

Followed by a terse “I am sorry.”

Not even disguised.

 

None of the foregoing three

Constitutes an apology,

Check them a little more carefully

And you would see.

 

People are made to apologize

Without seeing the need

But such is not an apology,

It is not indeed!

 

A heartfelt apology

Is where an apology is at,

Anything less is not an apology

And this is a fact.

 

There must be some remorse

And a little repentance too

Demonstrating that what was done

Was not a right thing do.

 

 

“I can’t tell you how sorry I am”

Sounds genuine enough

But study what is truly being said

And you’ll find it’s a bluff.

 

An apology must be uttered

But this person is saying I can’t,

Thus, I have no regard for this one,

You may take a different stance.

 

If you can’t, well go your way

And come back when you can,

If you can’t tell me how sorry you are

It is just a sham.

 

Or perhaps you can start

By saying how sorry you are

But “I can’t tell you how sorry I am”

Is off the mark by far.

 

Children are sometimes punished

Until they apologize,

A word to teachers and parents

This is not wise.

 

 

 

If a child renders an apology

Because he is punished

Then the true meaning of an apology

Is severely diminished.

 

It is a “no apology”

Meaning, it is just empty words

And if you are getting me

You will no doubt concur.

 

A genuine apology

Is like begging for forgiveness,

It comes out of a contrite heart

That regrets the mess.

 

“If you don’t apologize

You will be out of work,”

What a lovely apology I would offer!

Out of work really hurts.

 

Forced control is no control

Forced apology is just a fake,

Apology you want, apology you get,

Thanks for a way of escape.

 

It is a no apology

Any apology that is forced,

Hence, I am likely to do as you ask

If this is my only recourse.

 

Stewart Russell © August 25, 2023

 

Content and Context

 

 

Which influences which

Regarding content and context?

Turn it the wrong way around

And it becomes a pretext.

 

In the study of the Word

As it relates to many doctrines

There is an abundance of pretext

That gives rise to sin.

 

So, let’s get it right!

Which influences which?

For in so doing, my friend,

What’s wrong can be fixed.

 

Content is denominational:

This is what the Bible says,

As such, context mightn’t matter

It’s where the content lays.

 

Judas went and hanged himself;

Go thou and do likewise,

You can find both in the Bible

But content alone is unwise.

 

 

Context influences content;

As a matter of fact, it should,

It should not be taken literally

When Jesus says drink my blood.

 

 The context here is vital

In understanding the content,

Without the context influence

We lost the content’s intent.

 

With God all things are possible

This is not contextually true,

Regarding God’s nature

Some things, He will never do.

 

Some use the Bible’s content

To okay preferential practices,

If it were in fact practical

I could recount a lengthy list.

 

Suffice it to be stated, however,

That’s not this poem’s intent

But rather, ignoring the vital context

Taints the presenting content.

 

We are careful everyday

Regarding the containers we use

And the nature of the product

Decides the container we choose.

 

 

However, pertaining to the Word,

There is a critical contrast,

Context influences content

Thus, making an easier task.

 

Context influences content:

Not the other way around,

And to expostulate re the latter

Would turn it upside down.

 

Stewart Russell © September 15, 2022