Coming up for a breath of air,
Caught between brush hairs, thick with paint.
Broad brushes that cover with a single wide swoop.
Broad brushes that use words like 'all' and 'they' and 'those people.'
Broad brushes that see difference as chasms.
Broad brushes that demonize opposing views.
Broad brushes on social media, by friends old and new.
Broad brushes on news media, by the left and the right.
Broad brushes painting over you and me,
Masking our complex hues with a single presumptive stroke.
We can't be this without being that.
If we like that flavor of posts, we must dislike this one.
So I stay low, keeping viewpoints private,
Protecting my reputation from the swish of the broad brush.
When I do speak out, my aspiration is to share without condemnation.
Choosing finer brushes that share the canvas with others' views.
Yet even today as I try to attain this more perfect choice,
I heard my own voice lunge to pick up a broad brush.
After which I heard His ancient reminder,
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [Matthew 5:7 NIV]
So on the days you mess up and bathe me with your broad brush,
I shall remember the times I have also wielded mine.
And we will continue painting this life together,
In the vivid colors of mutual respect and mercy.
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