A Beginning for Understanding

If there is one thing that needs to change

It is how we

Look at each other

Respect each other

In other words,

Understanding one another.

People often ask why war happens.

People often ask why racism is still a thing.

People often ask why there is so much hate in the world.

People often ask why there doesn’t seem to be any peace.

We are not alike.

We do not always agree.

We fight a lot because

We are different

Humanity struggles with a wound that never seems to heal.

Some people even think that this evil is natural for us.

But deep down every human knows

That we could do better.

Instead of judging our fellow brethren

Let’s set our sights on understanding them

It’s not as hard as it sounds.

Nature gifted us with empathy.

So let go!

Let go of your fear of what other might be!

Let go of your misguided prejudices.

Let go of your past anger!

Let go!

When you see someone from the Middle East,

Do not see them with a gun in hand

Or a bomb strapped to their chest.

When you see someone from Mexico

Do not see them as dirty peasants

With tax dollars stuffed in their pockets

Instead see them as yourself

A plain human being.

Nothing else attached.

No guns.

No money.

No clothes

Nothing!

As you walk with them

Offer them clothes and accessories

As you speak with them

Let them cover themselves

Take only what is left behind.

Do not pressure them into wearing clothes

That might make them look more appealing

Instead admire a different taste

In a different array.

When you allow them to paint a picture

Without your hand over theirs

You see a structure

Representing internal affairs

When you look at the picture

And try to understand it

When you wear their clothes

And try to understand it

When you start understand another

You will see them

Across the full spectrum

You will also

see yourself within them.

At that moment,

When you understand them

You can't help but love them

As they love themselves.