Having the last word

Lately I have noticed how on some social networking sites people voice their opinions in a very harsh and often confrontational way.  Is there any need for this?  Can't we be kind?  Ok, so we have to stand up and be counted on some things but surely we achieve nothing by being downright rude?

If we can't agree when others speak

When they say what's on their mind

If we can't see where they're coming from

Would it kill us to be kind

If we can't accept their reasoning

Or see their point of view

Do we need to rage or stamp our feet

Like a lot of others do

Do we have to act defensive

Do we need to be so rude

Can we not be calm and walk away

When our words are misconstrued

Sometimes we rush on so blindly

And the obvious we ignore

When a little understanding

Could a broken soul restore

Do we always have to win?

Must we have the final word?

Don't we realise life is fragile

And our attitude absurd

For this world is full of trouble

and aggression rules supreme

Everyone is so suspicious

That things aren't what they seem

A little bit of kindness

and the strength to walk away

The confidence to “let things go”

might well transform our day

It's time to take a deep breath

And turn the other cheek

To indicate maturity

with no thought of being weak.

Let's not be drawn in arguments

From nastiness refrain

Let's quit pointing the finger

And live in peace again.

Karen Holmes

4 November 2010