when I find myself squeezing
to accept others differences
it’s like having a fish bone
stuck in my throat, choking
my airways n the way to my heart
in my unease I feel dizzy
my mind blurs in a tizzy
best release is tolerance
by being curious about differences
others become an extension of me
sets my heart and mind free
the choking sensation eases
sure I can’t ‘trust’ everyone
but to stop jumping to conclusions
I need to be more open to inclusion
for we are all one in wanting content
so why make each difference an event
each challenge is my lesson sent
to enable personal growth and build
on my character, mission fulfilled
for those who impress most
make everyone feel precious
they are genuinely kind
in their company I unwind
while those of narrow mind
seem threateningly blind
instinct says beware
for others they have little care
so my gut knows it well
gotta step outta my cell
be open and accepting
so we share the blessing
aroused 
Really nice thoughts but that fish bone in throat line just reminded me about what Jia, my wife, went through few years ago.
A tiny stuck fish bone in her throat kept her restless for more than 3 hours. We consulted doctors, tried every oldwives trick in the book but to no avail.
Jia finally felt relieved when that fish bone somehow reached back into her mouth from her throat and she quickly spitted it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh that sounds really horrid Hammad … I can’t imagine the fear and distress that would cause! So very glad she dislodged it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even if our beliefs,etc differ, we can always learn from each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure, I’m pretty confident in my beliefs, Kate, which makes all me the more curious about others who have found another answer.
It makes me think and, at times, even reconsider what I believed. Yes, it has happened.
Who knows? Perhaps I’ve had a similar effect on someone else. Maybe, maybe not. All part of life’s buoyant journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes the more confident you are on your ‘path’ then the more curious and tolerant one becomes of others … it’s the literal fanatics who cause so much disharmony
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truly accepting others does require effort on our part, and a certain amount of courage to step outside of our comfort zones. But it’s the only way we will ever move toward peace. Loved this poem, Kate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Ann, we all need to step up, we all deserve better!
LikeLike
I can not abide by those who say all is well only when things go my way.
Some faiths are like that… Some faiths even had/have the audacity to convert the dead so that those souls will go to ‘their’ idea of heaven….
Tolerance needs to be taught from day 1. I do think it is is nice though when I read a story like this: Good News Here
LikeLiked by 1 person
what a lovely heart warming story, thanks heaps Jules 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That last stanza sums it up so well, Kate. To be open and accepting means stepping out of our comfort zone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
the end is so you! you have the biggest heart Kate
LikeLiked by 1 person
you are too kind Gina, thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
aww not all all dear one, just reflecting some of the light you give out
LikeLiked by 1 person
you make me smile 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was smiling at the opening verse when you said accepting others differences is like a fish bone stuck in your throat…i can totally relate..lol..but the last and closing verse hit me the hardest, as it is true accepting could also be sharing..
LikeLiked by 2 people
it should be Mich, thanks for your kind comment 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful shot Kate and so are the words.
After watching and reading about recent developement in India this poem makes so much sense.
Being open and accepting is necessary to progress.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh I can’t believe that new law they’ve passed about citizenship … so bigoted what would Gandhi say!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right on, Kate! So please keeping sharing! Write on! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol can’t help myself … WP still blanks out time to time so I just switch off and come back later … so annoying! But definitely not as bad as before 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much truth and a challenge to others hidden in the lines as well! To be open to the differences and acknowledge them is to step through the mental fence that separates “us” from “them”!
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh well assessed, you got it!
LikeLike
This is so wise and true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The last two lines do it. “be open and accepting; so we share the blessing.” Actually, every line and stanza contains a golden nugget of wisdom we could all use to get into our heads and hearts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks heaps Glen, I totally appreciate your kind comments!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem. A great poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person