many indulge their dark side
I prefer light and bright
few are all black or white

tending to melt with softness
for those loved and close
or others similar to us

yet harden our heart
to the unknown, those set apart
too tight to give them a start

staying tender loving and open
brings growth and real purpose
don’t let bigotry even surface

it is grounded in arrogance
fear and insecurity
has no base for humanity

gentleness enables learning
helps for wiser discerning
halts harmful yearning

so rather than harden
I choose to be tender
warmly embracing all