On Loving

Undeniably
we are all a mixed bag
My Father a coward
hasnt spoken to his son
for over twenty years
Not separated by concentration camps
or adoption
or arrest
no- in ordinary life
with channels of communication
to choose from
Yet can you discard a man
for a fault
even if a major one?
Do that and you will never see
the humour, hard work,
genius, ideas, caring
and love
that cohabit
with cowardice

A young Mother
in tears
He needs more discipline
No, you're too tough on him!
Oh, I dont want my boy
to be the worst behaved kid
in the class!
This the bully-
strokes his sister's head
kisses the girlfriends
hugs me
and shares his meals
even Lego!

A mixed bag from beginning to end.
Look for flaws
and you'll find flaws.
Love the goodness
and expand the good.
Simple enough.
But who has all the love and courage
to look at us this way?