The Cost of a Mistake

The Price of Redemption 

We judge others

on their actions 

We judge ourselves 

on our intent 

Imagine 

living your life 

based on 

one mistake 

or several 

a moment of weakness 

a careless word 

a selfish choice 

A mistake 

is an event 

not a name 

Yet we are prone 

to carve our failures 

into monuments 

and live in the shadow 

How much 

remorse 

how many 

apologies 

how many 

good works 

would be enough 

What is the cost 

of a mistake 

What is the price 

of redemption 

I can forgive you 

for the price 

of trust 

He will forgive you 

for the price 

of asking 

 

But you—

You must forgive 

and there 

the ledger changes 

Nothing I say feels enough 

nothing I do feels finished 

and nothing I offer 

can unmake what I made

Yet, redemption 

was never purchased 

by carrying 

the mistake forever 

So, tell me—

what is my price 

what is your price 

of laying it down 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

June 18, 2026