Well-intentioned Zero Tolerance
has created unintended consequences
“Political correctness”
is to be applauded
and it is an acquired skill
accompanied by shame and humility
Misread context creates
false positives
Thoughtless comments make
ill-fitting negatives
Youth makes mistakes
Anger violates civility
Separateness teaches inequality
Conceit blinds openness
What is done speaks to what is said
and that counts
The present updates the past
and that matters
If mistakes are embraced
If anger is subdued
If differences are acknowledged
If bias is recognized
Then a sincere apology should lead
to an environment of grace
Then genuine forgiveness should make
for a milieu of kindness
Openness and acceptance admit flaws
Treasured possibilities expand horizons
MaddogPoetry 