Without Arrogance

There is a certain arrogance 

To thinking you understand

Another person's experiences

Even my own empathy

Can only take me so far

I cannot write the truth

Of how one must feel

From the place of safety

Standing outside looking in

Or just being an onlooker

One cannot truly explain

The feel of the battle’s heat

Or the sounds and smells

I can only feel the remnants

Standing in the place you stood

I cannot live in your skin

I can walk where you walked

I can read the first hand accounts

I can think I understand

But, that’s just my arrogance

For this cause or any cause

There are those who must speak

Speak of sights, sounds, and feels

There are those who must listen

And record, without arrogance 

When the smoke clears

When the sounds of battle cease

When the weapons of war are idle

(Make no mistake, this is war)

We must embrace the words of peace

Words like:

Change

Sacrifice

Understanding

Tolerance

Listening

Without arrogance 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

June 19, 2020