Often the most frustrating things
About a tragedy –
Whether one unfolding,
One yet to come,
Or one done and gone;
Whether personal,
Or of a nation,
Or of the planet;
Whether solid,
Or existential;
No matter the type –
Are the twin responses
Proffered by many:
“It doesn’t/won’t make any difference to MY life”
Or
“It had nothing to do with me, it just happened.”
Indifference and lack of accountability
Are the two most destructive traits
Of humanity.
We have the capacity to care.
Empathy and responsibility
Are two of our most beautiful traits
When we choose to employ them.
It can be so easy,
Instinctual even,
To close our eyes and pretend
It’s not our problem,
And that things that affect others
Are somehow beneath our care.
Yet, we desire others to be there for us
When tragedy strikes.
Why do we try to have it both ways?
We are rapidly running out of time
On so many things.
And, really, little is truly
Independent from us.
It comes around to affect us eventually.
Now is the time
To engage our hearts,
Our empathy,
Our compassion,
And unleash our finest traits.
Before we are no more.
Lynx Thoughts 