Both Sides

I can see both sides.

I see the logic in the arguments

But the fallacies in their statements;

I see true hope behind the intent

But the manipulation used to arrive

And how both paths too often lead to lies.

I can see both sides.

But I am told to pick a side.

I’m informed devotion breeds authenticity

But I see too many people devoted to what they don’t fully see.

I’m pushed to only look one way and not the other

But the creep to the left matters just as much as the slide to the right

And there’s a spot somewhere in the middle where we don’t have to fight.

But I am told to pick a side.

I see good in both sides.

Although I’m scolded for accepting

That two opposing viewpoints could both possibly shed light.

I feel the tension in the opposing forces

But maintain the stretching of our imaginations- of empathy-

Can only expand our limited sight.

Despite the worst in all of us,

In this day when news travels faster than our compassion,

I still see good in both sides.

–Written by Sandy Heights

Image by falco from Pixabay