Be Good To One Another
Be good to one another…
simple
enough
but how?
when my critical opinions bounce around in my mind?
when my judgments ooze throughout my thought realms?
Be grateful…
for the opportunities you have,
the things in your life,
the blessings & gifts.
Sometimes it’s just not that easy —
when
the complaints,
the entitlements
the expectations
about this & that, him & her, they & it, either & or
are conjured up
and expressed through
word & action.
Laughter is the best medicine…
but what if it just isn’t funny
or i’m not feeling humorous
or it’s offensive?
or i’m the only one laughing?
is it still an antidote for the pain?
Just smile, it’ll make you feel better…
does that mean I should grin and bear it?
will my smile mask my anger or alleviate my depression?
is my smile not just a thin façade?
will it really help me get by?
Nonviolence, compassion and kindness are taught by many a master…
but how?
when others attack?
when others are mean?
when injustice lives on?
when the unkind, unfair and selfish make it to the top?
Be careful of the stones that you throw…
i’ll do my best
yet all too often (more than I’d like to admit)
my ruminations have me
lobbing critical views
launching self-righteous judgments
and absolving myself of responsibility.
who really is to blame?
aren’t we all somehow complicit?
how do we play catch with these stones?
These practical & spiritual
insights & platitudes
practices & aspirations
suggestions & encouragement
are simple
and in their simplicity
lies the difficulty.
They are honorable and worthy pursuits
available to all of us
if we choose…
