1. Title: "Amends" implies a desire to make amends or repair something that has been damaged or broken. It sets the tone for a poem exploring the theme of reconciliation.
2. First Stanza:
- Rich begins by addressing her past self as a "young woman," reflecting on their shared experiences.
- The speaker remembers being "so sure" about certain things and having a strong sense of self-righteousness.
- She acknowledges that she was often critical and judgmental towards others.
3. Second Stanza:
- The speaker realizes that her perspective has changed over time, and she now understands that she was "so busy being young" and caught up in her own experiences.
- She sees that her "passion" for her beliefs led her to be "so hard."
4. Third Stanza:
- The speaker directly confronts her younger self, asking: "was I cruel?" and "was it too much?"
- She expresses regret and guilt, acknowledging that she might have hurt others with her words and actions.
5. Fourth Stanza:
- Rich turns to the possibility of forgiveness and making amends.
- She recognizes the need to confront the past and its mistakes in order to move forward and find healing.
- The line, "I would like to be forgiven" shows the speaker's willingness to own up to her mistakes and seek reconciliation.
6. Fifth Stanza:
- The speaker imagines her younger self as "a girl whose eyes were full of fire" and contemplates how she might counsel this younger version of herself.
- She offers wise advice, encouraging understanding, compassion, and learning from mistakes.
7. Sixth Stanza:
- The speaker concludes by addressing herself directly, acknowledging that while she cannot change the past, she can choose to be "different from that girl."
- She expresses a desire to grow, learn, and be more compassionate in the present.
In essence, "Amends" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships, the evolution of perspectives, and the significance of forgiveness. Rich explores the tension between youthful righteousness and the wisdom gained through experience, ultimately expressing a hopeful desire for personal growth and reconciliation.