Tolerance

“If you don’t know the kind of person I am and I don’t know the kind of person you are a pattern that others made may prevail in the world and following the wrong god home we may miss our star.* Shouts abound, demanding equality Yet, when push comes to shove My choices are rudely rejected A bat appears, held in an iron glove. Ethics and virtue may only reside Down deep in the soul of each My effect on the thoughts of others go only as far as my words reach. Hold on to your own persuasions And say what you need to say Please do so in warm acceptance With bitterness having no sway. Only those who are politically correct Have freedom to voice their convictions But I, too, have my own opinions And voted as I chose in this election. When I reach out with a velvet glove In tolerance, though we don’t agree And you return resentment and anger No one in America is totally free. *William Stafford

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Mark Peterson

Date: 12/7/2017 11:45:00 AM

Marvelously expressed. I would invite legions of readers to this write, if only to pause and internet the scourge of stolid dogma that pervades the minds of those who don't relent and ignore any invitation to see things in a different light. A better path appears when one climbs up from their rut.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 2/23/2017 8:32:00 PM

This is so true. We must accept what we cannot change, yet continue to work toward our goals without condemning others' choices. Your last line says it perfectly! 7 ; )

Cona Adams
Date: 2/24/2017 6:58:00 AM

Thank you for the visit, Connie. Yes, we each need to agree to disagree, without condemnation of each other. That's the foundation of the freedom we enjoy. Blessings to you.