Lay Down Your Words
~
assign the label and divide
make sure to bash the other side
the battle lines are drawn
hate rages from dusk to dawn
when egos and emotions are enraged
hearts are usually disengaged
~
lay down your ego, hurt and belief
open your mind and heart to relief
see your enemy as harmless
a person in need of love no less
finding bridges of humanity
will return us to sanity
~
I wrote this poem during the intensity of the US political campaigns. Sadly, the name calling and divisiveness continue. Too few of our leaders, groups, media or we the people are talking about how to work together. We tend to divide ourselves with labels based on fear, hurt, and judgment. Let’s return to love, remember that we are one human family and learn to live in harmony.
I choose to look upon others with compassion, remembering they are but a reflection of me and our shared humanity. The keys to finding our common humanity are willingness, reaching out in curiosity, listening deeply and seeking to understand each other.
Choose your words carefully or lay them down and simply listen. I choose peace and love. How about you?
writing to freedom 
Oh, Brad. I wish the same, but I know it is a tough row to hoe. It’s a poisoned well now. The majority now feels betrayed by the minority (of voters who chose him), and people who feel betrayed often find it hard to empathize with the very people they feel made this happen.
So many couples, so many families, so many friendships, broken by this election. It will take time, but I sincerely hope Americans can come together around something good. We in Canada care very much about America and Americans, and not just because we share a border. Many of us have American family and friends. You matter a great deal to us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your thoughtful words and caring Cynthia. I know many people feel hurt. And I hope we can find ways to heal, grow up and work together. The divisiveness only serves the people who want us distracted from the bigger issues and our mutual interests.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful and inspiring, Brad, well penned!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poem reminded me that: Words are Mantras.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Genie. I love that reminder about words being mantras. May we speak and live our best selves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m with you Brad. To listening deeply and seeking to understand each other…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to have you on the compassion team Julie! Much easier to write than do, but I’m glad others are willing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen and amen! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Natalie. Now we (I) need to live it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely‼️❌⭕️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, thank you Brad! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Richard. I appreciate you reaching out and all you do to promote love and inclusion.
LikeLike
On the compassion team here too ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! I’m glad to have you on the team Helen. ❤
LikeLike
I hope that peace will come Brad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does for me Andrea when I lay down my words, beliefs, and troubles, returning to my natural state of peace. And I believe it’s up to us to be the peace and carry it into the world with peaceful actions.
LikeLiked by 1 person