SEEING FROM THE OTHER SIDE
SEEING FROM THE OTHER SIDE
For years, one has entertained the notion
That nations and cultures can always mix
There are customs and appearances, true
Some might close their eyes, as many do
Also their ears, as language can play tricks
Races no longer separated by any ocean
Yet integration recalibrates one’s identity
More for others to feel safe and sound
Yet difference is surely to be celebrated
Whether or not all verbs are conjugated
But gentle friction is healthy when around
Seeing people as they are and want to be
Step by step, perhaps talk over the fence
But all be aware, there’s no time to sleep
The pace at which such acceptance grows
It takes many decades, as one who knows
National cultural norms are buried deep
There is no gain in perpetuating ignorance
Learning and adjustment aren’t just words
It needs the occasional slap in the face
To recognise what passes for normality
But on further thought, is quite arbitrary
Turning away disinterested, is a disgrace
Embrace the new, mix whey with curds
Copyright © Howard Osborne | Year Posted 2023
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