A Heart That's Clean

Shakespearean sonnet written for a prompt.
Prompt:  "What is that which I need to have?"

A Heart That's Clean

What is that which I need to have to live
A quiet life that's peaceful and serene?
Resentment chokes my heart, must I forgive
The vicious attitude of one so mean?

Must I forget the trashing of my name,
The calumny and lies behind my back?
With malice he would slander and defame,
My reputation open to attack.

If I continue in this bitter state,
Like cancer, hate will eat my heart away.
I'll have no room for love to compensate,
Nor can I justify my need to pray.

I want my heart returned to how it was!
Forgive him for he knows not what he does.{/center}