he just wanted to be a good man.
but scared to make a wrong move,
say the wrong thing, offend and be cancelled.
open to accountability partners, only to realise perfection
should never be a barometer for expected behaviour.
the politics of our systems make it hard
to admit mistakes, take responsibility, offer apologies,
accept forgiveness, be fallible. when each side is armed
with pitch forks and hungry for blame and blood and vengeance,
there is little chance for restorative justice, empathy, listening.
i am sure i have been hurt. i am sure i’ve hurt.
every mirror offers years of truths and reality.
underneath each mask, we cower-
oppressor and oppressed alike. hungry
for acceptance and somebody to acknowledge,
and validate our pain.
justice is not vengeance
vengeance is not justice.
without love and listening
we’re just perpetuating
torment and trauma,
poking at each others scars
and picking at the scabs.
both sides covered in blood
while the status quo, never satiated,
hunts for new prey.
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