understanding

such a fuss is made
of tolerance
how it's the way we all should be
but tolerance itself
implies opposition
and making do with how another is
when what we'd really like is to make him
more of the same of what we are

no, tolerance is not the way to be
but instead
sits in the shadow
of something greater
of acceptance
and surrender
to the differences we find

but think a bit on acceptance
and you will discover
yet a better way to be
and that of understanding,
not just accepting,
but understanding the differences we find
understanding leaves no room for reasoning
goes beyond thinking
or of might
understanding
puts one into the space of another
with recognition of one's self

in understanding
and seeing himself in another
his seeing becomes knowing
and in knowing
he is becoming
and the two
are one

~ Diana Christine

photography by permission
cindy lee jones