love [not numbered]
all we say and do reflects upon who we are
period
all that is said or done by others, about us
reflects upon who they are
not who you are
period
well
comma
no
ellipsis
nothing is done in a vacuum
right?
context helps definition
if someone calls me a liar and
it turns out i lied to them
that reflects poorly on me
for lying
not them for calling out my lying
i’m not being racist for pointing out that
your comments/opinions/views are racist
love yourself
it should be
enough
refuse to accept
unsolicited criticism
but
allow the possibility that
context may reveal
latent invitations
subconscious acquiescence
your bleeding heart will
heal
their bleeding heart
too
your bleeding heart
hurt hers
her bleeding heart
hurt yours
declare an end to
hostilities
now
remember
let it in
the negativity hurled against you
let it all wash
over you
feel the pain you caused
because
it lives next to
the pain you endure
when you listen
truly
honestly
to words expressed through pain
sometimes those words are meant only to
hurt
though they often are rebounded feelings
mirrors in a house of horrors
infinitely reflecting pain
remind yourself
you hold liability
for some of that misery
you cannot disavow it
simply because someone else is saying it
compassion and empathy
are not gifts you
indulgently
or
majestically
bestow upon others
they are skills
you must
develop and practice
over time
employ with subtle generosity
into a daily meditation
how you should
strive to live
everyday
