Let He Who Is Without Sin......

We jump to judgement.

Social and cultural filters

cover our eyes

as we judge others.

And we do it so easily,

often without any

reference point

other than our

own narrow,

tainted perspective.

We, frail beings,

who jump at our own shadows,

thanks to our innate

drive for survival

in a hostile world

are always

looking for danger

in all things,

in all encounters.

And we can evaluate

harshly indeed,

jump to conclusions,

out of context,

condemn others

swiftly and without

valid cause.

We believe,

or say we believe,

in equality

and inclusivity,

perhaps then

we should

withhold judgement

unless we are

also certain

of our own

purity.

 

08/08/19

Author's Note

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

There are always two sides to every story, I always try to remember that. Also we live in times of fake news spreading like wildfire on the Internet. How can you be sure you aren't judging an innocent person guilty? Better not to make that judgement in the first place I say. Thought provoking write John. Free flowing free verse.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I agree but at times it is so difficult when emotive topics are involved. Many thank yous.

[Eilis]

Withholding judgment is a good policy, for sure. I think in the Information Age we have the false sense that we know everything therefore we have the right to weigh in on everything and have our opinion counted in the weighing of options.

I try to stay clear of judging, but it's not an automatic impulse. In fact the opposite seems to be true for me and I have to remind myself of that adage referenced in your title. Your reminder that 'we are frail beings' and how you expound on that is particularly apt here.

My husband thinks it's funny when I tell him that it isn't easy to form friendships with other women because of the sense of competition that seems to permeate all of our relationships. I think it goes back to that feeling of vulnerability where we feel in order to protect ourselves we have to be on our guard. And sometimes that translates as a tendency to be hyper-judgmental.

I'm sure I've just over-thought this whole thing, but that's where your poem took me. Enjoyed the reading, John. You are good at making me think when I visit your page.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A writer read in such a deep fashion, eliciting thoughts and feelings is lucky indeed and I thank you for your openess and for your story and for your kindness Eilis.