1. "The Eternal Goodness"
This poem explores the idea of God's forgiveness and mercy. It speaks to the belief that even in the face of wrongdoing, God's love and grace are boundless. This poem emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's forgiveness even when we feel unworthy.
2. "The Vision of Sir Launfal"
This poem, though longer and more complex, touches on the theme of forgiveness in its portrayal of the knight, Sir Launfal. He sets out on a quest for the Holy Grail but only finds it when he learns to see the Divine in the everyday, even in the poorest of people. This act of recognition and compassion can be interpreted as a form of forgiveness, both of oneself and of others.
3. "The Preacher"
This poem talks about a preacher who preaches about the importance of humility and forgiveness. He speaks about the need to let go of anger and resentment and embrace the love of God. This poem emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness on the individual and the community.
4. "The Barefoot Boy"
While not explicitly about forgiveness, this poem celebrates the innocence and purity of childhood. This innocence can be seen as a metaphor for the potential for forgiveness that exists within all of us, even in the face of hardship and pain.
Without knowing the specific poem you are referring to, it's difficult to give a definitive answer. However, these are some of Whittier's most prominent poems that explore themes of forgiveness and might be the ones you are thinking of.
To help me identify the specific poem, could you please provide any additional information about the poem? For example, do you remember any lines from the poem, or what type of context it was in?