Turn Away

I met Baraka over a year and a half ago and we’ve kept in contact through comments. Her post yesterday, Atonement has me pondering again.

Way back on June 2nd, 2006 I posted the poem “21st Century” which sprang from reading a poem on Baraka’s blog. It reflected and still does, my frustration at the world’s problems.

I have a very diverse blogroll and many more in my blog reader. I like to read a wide variety of posts, but I most gravitate to those that write about reality. Truth is Freedom after all is my blog name, but the truth is not welcome in many places.

One of the problems I’ve faced is the need, the compulsion I feel to point out injustice in all its forms. Yet I could post a thousand times a day and barely scratch the surface of the horrors that are inflicted upon the innocent. The reality of human behavior is that we are a savage and brutal race of animals.

But we are also kind and generous, thoughtful and compassionate. Capable of extraordinary acts of greatness and creativity. I could post a thousand times a day and barely scratch the surface of the wonders that are given to the innocent. The reality of human behavior is that we are a gentle and friendly race of intelligent beings.

Every faith has a time of contemplation and reflection. A time to pause and think about your words and deeds. A time to scrutinize your behavior and to make decisions about the future. Atonement is indeed a word that makes us squirm. To accept that you have done wrong. Atonement demands more than a simple apology, but rather the act of atonement demands a physical compensation in terms of balancing past actions.

Can we turn away? Can we turn away from the innocent? What can I do to atone for my poor judgment?

My words here at times are harsh. It is too simple to state that harsh times demand harsh measures. In most ways we live in an era of peace. A time of plenty and comfort. A time when fear, true fear, is something many of us experience only in books or movies.

But I know better. I know many of you have suffered. I know because you’ve confided in me. I know because you have experienced true fear. Been helpless and alone.

Despised.

Reviled.

That is the truth, but not the only truth. Because no matter the abuse suffered, it is possible to overcome the trauma. To become someone else, different yes, but not helpless. It’s not easy by any means, some never recover, but many do and take back their lives.

I will continue to write about injustice and I will continue to care for those who have been abused. I will also continue to write poetry and stories about our times and desires. I will atone for my mistakes and strive to be more open to me.