in the midst of the crowd at the rally,
inspired by the impassioned rhetoric
of the speakers, we loudly proclaim
our commitment to speaking the truth,
but we go home, and there is the person
we have known for decades as not
just a neighbor, but also a friend, and
they are posting a sign in their yard
with a message which breaks our heart.
and now,
what shall we do?
remain silent, not wanting to hurt
this relationship, this person, this
soul we have always known to be
as good and gentle as our very own?
simply post our own sign, hoping
that might serve as a statement
of honest differences of opinion?
or shall we take that hesitant
first step, our hand open wide
in peace and trust, hoping that
relationships are stronger than rhetoric,
that common bonds are uncommonly strong,
that truth can be found in hearts
which care more for others
then slogans on signs in two yards?
(c) 2024 Thom M. Shuman
Venmo: @Thom-Shuman
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