Simple Answers

 
answers are
simple

do unto others as
you would

have them
do unto you

answers are
simple

stop consuming
start producing

garden
minimize

earth shelters
renewable energy

sustainable
agriculture

answers are
simple

democrat
independent

green
libertarian

republican
socialist

answers are
simple

civil
disobedience

militant
pacifism

responsible
anarchy

answers are
simple

technology
pharmaceuticals

chemicals
genetic manipulation

answers are
simple

buddha
mohamed

christ
god

angel
devil

answers are
simple

stewardship
spirituality

community
engagement

kindness
generosity

answers are
simple

openness
communication

cooperation
mutual aid

compassion
love

answers are
simple

when we pick
one side

when we think
we are right

and
therefore

everyone
else is wrong

 
answers are
simple

when we believe
so strongly

that we don’t
see facts

that we don’t
listen to reason

that we don’t
recognize flaws

answers are
simple

when we put
ourselves first

and demonize
the other

answers are
simple

when we
see the world

as zero-sum

realties are
complex

if we look
carefully

at all sides
of an issue

realties are
complex

if we
negotiate

realties are
complex

if we
compromise

realities are
complex

but

with a
common goal

with unified
commitment

problems transform into
challenges and opportunities

answers are never as
simple as they seem

and never as complex as
we make them

© 2020 Raibeart Bruis