Shaking in my boots,
I know I have to speak my truth.
I need to find the right words
to bring my point across
without people thinking
that I am manipulating them;
- which essentially is what I will do
and why should I care what others think of me?
The finesse of diplomacy –
sometimes it’s just a quick smile
to diffuse a confrontation
that seems to be unavoidable.
Not that I could claim to be diplomatic,
more often than not
I will put my foot where my mouth is
and wish I hadn’t opened it.
But how do you voice concerns,
how do you state what you perceive
as ‘true’ so that the veil
in front of your opponent lifts
and clarity pours in?
Judgment and confrontation
lay so closely together
that the transition from
one to the other is flawless,
and often hurtful.
Just take our current, volatile election
where a confrontation could mean dialogue
but most often ends in a shouting match.
Times are restless and
filled with aggression, sadness,
greed, and upset.
Too little solitude,
compassion, and care.
Confronting was my mother’s way
to get to the truth about my father’s cheating.
Perhaps that’s why I love peace all around me
to a degree, that is.
Just give me a good argument
and I show you my ability to
confront an issue, opponent,
or a worthy cause that needs defending.
I’ll be there….
Hiking Poet 