Listen before responding
A discomforting poem...
When it comes to creating a better world, Miranda Warner works on the frontline dealing with family violence issues and restorative justice. I had the good fortune to catch-up with Miranda while she was visiting a mutual friend Farid Ahmed in Christchurch recently. When the discussion turned to issues around male violence and emotional regulation Miranda offered to share a poem she'd written a few days earlier.
Sit across the table if you're able
from that person that you harmed
and disarmed listen
leave defences at the door
and do nothing more than listen.
For the rest, perhaps it's best if you listen to Miranda herself as she reads her poem. I was deeply moved by the recognition of how easy it is to rush to judgement before having heard the other, even when you disagree.
