We See the World Through Different Eyes

Through different eyes we see the world.

I see the poor, struggling alone,

Limited by their circumstances,

Held back through no fault of their own.

 

You, however, are convinced

That laziness is the cause of their plight.

Denying your privileged life, you see

The situation as black and white.

 

I see climate change as a threat,

Affecting us now, but mainly hereafter.

Considering the whole matter a hoax,

You respond with derisive laughter.

 

I see people in desperate need

Of medical care that they can afford--

Care that's not a privilege but

A right leaving no one ignored.

 

You, too, believe in health care

But not as a right that people deserve.

With you it seems as though the idea

Of helping others strikes a nerve.

 

I acknowledge the importance of

Necessary regulations.

You see the government having

Too much control over corporations.

 

I see the need for high standards

For clean water and clean air.

To you such regulations are

Burdensome and also unfair.

 

People who make large amounts

Of money can therefore afford to pay

Higher taxes than the poor.

To me it just makes sense that way.

 

You are more concerned that the wealthy

Keep more of their money, which

Is a common refrain that we hear

Coming from the lips of the rich.

 

America's diversity

To me is beautiful, and yet

To you it seems as though our great

Diversity is a threat.

 

I want to strengthen our public schools.

When saying that, I see your hostility.

You want to strengthen the private ones

With little or no accountability.

 

Another giant issue that comes

From seeing the world through different eyes

Is the notion that what I call facts

Are to you nothing but lies.

 

It's not a matter of good or bad;

It's just a matter of point of view.

Based on all our experiences,

We see the world the way we do.

 

(2-5-17)