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