Popular Poem Categories:
Occasion & Holiday Poems:
Let Bygones Be Bygones Poem
Let Bygones Be Bygones by Finley Johnson offers a thoughtful reminder about forgiveness and letting go of past wrongs. We all experience misunderstandings, disappointments, and moments when either we or someone else says or does something we wish had been different.
Holding on to those hurts can make them feel heavier as time passes. This poem encourages us to leave yesterday's wrongs where they belong and make room for understanding, kindness, and peace today.
Johnson also reminds us that life moves quickly. We all make mistakes and need forgiveness at times, so offering that same mercy to others can help bring healing to both sides. Let these verses encourage you to release old hurts and move forward with a lighter heart.
Updated October 6, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Let Bygones be Bygones
Poet: Finley Johnson
Forget! for why remember
The wrongs of yesterday?
Perchance kind words were spoken
To heal the breach today;
Then let the past forever be
A blank leaf in thy memory.
Forget the Old Year's failings,
The New will have its share;
Each one will find that haply
He hath enough to bear
Without the memory of the wrong
That to the Old Year doth belong.
"Let bygones be bygones" - for why
Should thoughts that gender strife
Be nourished in the bosoms
That but embitter life?
And fill this world, that else, were fair,
With scenes of sorrow, strife, and care?
Forgive! for why should we withhold
The blessings that we need,
Or let an erring brother
In vain for mercy plead?
Oh! cold must be the hearts, and rare,
That could reject the suppliant prayer.
Forgive! for Time's swift pinions
Are bearing us along,
And few may be our moments
To do or suffer wrong;
Then let us, while the power is given,
Forgive, as we would be forgiven!
Key Reflections In This Poem
-
Let Yesterday's Wrongs Go
Continually thinking about past hurts can keep them alive long after the moment has passed. Johnson encourages us to release what happened yesterday rather than carrying it into today.
-
Forgiveness Brings Peace
Holding a grudge can create bitterness, while forgiveness gives peace a chance to grow. Letting go does not change what happened, but it can change how we move forward.
-
Remember That We All Make Mistakes
There will be times when we need understanding and forgiveness from others too. Remembering our own imperfections can make it easier to show mercy when someone else has done wrong.
-
Time Is Too Precious For Bitterness
Life moves quickly, and our days are too valuable to spend continually returning to old conflicts. We can use our time more wisely by choosing kindness, understanding, and peace.
-
Forgive As You Would Be Forgiven
The final words of the poem offer a simple lesson to carry with us. The forgiveness we hope to receive from others is the same forgiveness we should be willing to give.
Popular Pages
Explore more poems and thoughtful words about forgiveness, understanding, compassion, and making the most of today.
These Forgive Me Poems offer heartfelt words about regret, forgiveness, and restoring understanding when mistakes have been made.
Read To Know All Is To Forgive All for thoughtful verses about understanding others and choosing compassion rather than judgment.
This Respect Poem offers a reminder of how respect and consideration can strengthen the way we treat one another.
Find practical wisdom in these Quotes To Live By that encourage thoughtful choices and a positive way of approaching life.
Take a moment to read For This One Hour, a thoughtful poem that encourages us to appreciate the present rather than becoming lost in yesterday.
Conclusion
We cannot change yesterday, but we can decide how much of it we carry into today. Finley Johnson's poem reminds us that forgiveness can free us from bitterness and make room for greater peace in our lives.
There will be times when we need to forgive, and there will also be times when we hope someone will forgive us. Remembering this can help us respond with greater understanding and compassion. Let bygones be bygones, take the lesson with you, and move forward with a lighter heart.
More New Year Poems