WALLS

WALLS
Pain strikes deep within  our hearts ,
When careless actions and events befall ,
Fearful of combat and confrontation ,
We begin erecting secret walls.
 
Communication channels constrict ,
Highlighting  shortcomings and pitfalls ,
Our judgement clouds when blinker-visioned,
We seek refuge behind barricaded walls.
 
Conniving vines conceal as they creep  ,
The original cause might grow distant,
Mental moss does the anger camouflage ,
The root cause no longer as reminiscent.
 
These crafty climbers choke out compassion ,
And mock our efforts at reparation ,
Strictly focused on that pound of flesh ,
Once bitten there’s only condemnation.
 
Can we change ? Chip out a tile or three ,
Trim down overgrown brush and hedge ,
Illuminate , shine some light in radiance ,    
What purpose is served by a wedge ?
 
We cannot know the circuit of life ,
What ironic circumstances may befall ,
Too late , too late to reignite what is burned ,
Too late then to repair divisive walls .
 
So soften the harsh judgement of fiery youth ,
The righteous voice eager to incite , 
Remember the shoes we must walk a mile in ,
In order to understand the perpetrator’s fight. 
 
A heart can transform with learning and will ,  
As we work on our imperfection and foible ,
Life is a mirror , giving back who we are ,
Know that - To the spirit all is possible.
 
Give me your hand , give me your heart ,
Happier moments as we recall ,
With reason and kindness , relay-tionships review ,
Turning solid rock into a gentler waterfall.
 
Holly Ann – Dubai , August 2023