It’s a choice
A conscious decision
to stand in judgment
or open a heart

Within the iron walls of judgment
cowardice fuels hatred
fear consumes tolerance
righteousness contradicts hope

Within the warm walls of a heart
curiosity fuels understanding
empathy consumes fear
acceptance contradicts bigotry

Much easier to stand in judgment
never inconvenienced
never introspective
never unguarded

Much harder to open a heart
always challenged
always vulnerable
always exposed

Bring me the differences
I applaud them although
I may not agree

Show me the possibilities
I consider them although
I may choose a different path

Let me live within my heart
I welcome the journey although
I may stumble

Stretching, growing
experiencing, learning
This is where I want to live

2014