When a child and lunging toward mountains, I discovered flowers and stones before my feet. Mastering complex steps when older, I treasure the grace of careful movement.
When a teen and eager to learn, I studied the arguments shielding controversial subjects. Seeking altruistic backbone as an adult, I find everything is controversial.
When a young adult and passionate about equality, I judged extreme behaviors defensible. Heeding a mature outlook as an adult, I note the value of balance.
When a woman with children to shelter, I protected all young with smothering embrace. Knowing the gain of doing for oneself, I consign experience a better defender.
Now a senior still trying to found my estate, I deplore the minor output I’ve borne. Trying to repair my early errors, I quake at the new ones assembling.
How little I’ve learned, how few the tasks completed, how long a journey yet to trek, how brief the time to travel, but this I finally fathom:
There are two sides at least, though now I can see three.
Just a thought 26
Photo of child with flowers courtesy Pixabay.com
Sharon Bonin-Pratt's Ink Flare 
Comments on: "Two Sides at Least" (24)
Never feel your output has been minor.
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Thanks, Peggy, for your kind comment, though I’m a bit discouraged about the last three years, not getting done the goals I’d set. Mostly my fault and I have to organize differently to achieve more.
When do you and Poor John start traveling again?
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Nothing fixed yet, but probably in March.
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Is there any place you have not been and want to go?
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It’s sad we’ve lost sight of the respect for ‘two sides to a story’. There are, aren’t there, but that’s out of vogue in so many people I know.
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It’s unfortunate that two-way discussions have given way to one-sided accusations, and thoughtful dialogue is now a bunch of idiotic tweets. True on both sides of that polyhedral mirror, but some people take advantage of bigger platforms to bear down on smaller voices. I hate being shouted at.
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Our perspectives and attitudes certainly shift over time. You’ve captured this transition so beautifully with your words.
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Thank you, Carrie. I love the passion and energy of the young – I was an art teacher for many years, and their enthusiasm inspired me every day – but there’s something to be said for gaining some wisdom as we age. Being willing to change if valid is a good thing, especially if borne by experience.
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Sharon, I completely relate to everything you said in this post. Found myself nodding my head and resonating. Nice to know we aren’t alone in our experiences, observations, perspectives and feelings at this age. 🙂
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“At our age.” I think that says it – a broader POV perhaps, and more experience. Thanks for reading, Betty.
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we’re all just human – it’s certainly not like you’ve been lying about doing nothing these last 3 years, dear Sharon. as for 3 sides – yes! that’s what wisdom is all about — seeing the spectrum of color between black & white
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Love your comment about “seeing the spectrum of color between black & white.” Well stated, Daal.
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hope it helps – you are too wonderful to not see it in yourself. am reminded that luck is seldom discussed but it is a part of life as much as our efforts are…
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Daal, I agree with you about luck but since that’s a quality we can’t control, I rarely refer to it. And thank you for the pat on the back.
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we all can be so hard on ourselves…
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I try to be realistic, and I believe that we are most creative in those places where we are vulnerable, where we hurt and question ourselves. Thanks for your comment, Daal.
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What a wonderful piece that has sumarized the you(s) that once were you and the you you are now and your hope for the future you. I do disagree that you have achieved little – but I do understand you saying it. I love the message that you passed on in the last line. Three sides to every story – there probably are and more.
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You grasped completely what I wanted to convey – that we grow and change and learn to see a greater horizon. I try to infuse my writing with those experiences.
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We grow and change while our souls are immutably patient.
Lovely poem, whether or not you meant it to be a poem it is indeed poetic
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Your thoughts are truly insightful, Judy, thanks for your contribution.
(If you think this is a poem, I’m honored.)
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I agree most hardily with your sentiment, Shari.
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Thank you, Glynis.
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Truth, whether we want to see it or not is there. Shari, we do the best we can every step of the way. Not a one of us different in the end. Much love to you. ♡
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Thank you for the lovely comment, Audrey. Love back at ya.
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