Judgement and Blame

 
Judgement and Blame
 
So easy it can be—to find a thing
Or person that we blame for this or that,
Neglecting all the things, combined, that might 
Have brought the circumstance to where it's at.
 
At every moment, we have choices that
We make, although we may not be aware
That we are doing so. And yet the past,
The present and the future still are there
 
To influence that choice. The future? Yes—
The one that we perceive, with hope or fear.
And yet, we have to act, and take the blame
Or credit for the action. That is clear.
 
It will do not do to blame the past for this
Or even present—or what these portend.
We each should bear the weight of what we do,
For action is what matters in the end.
 
******
 
But still, let's slow the judgement and the blame
We cast on others. Let us try and pause
To understand what brought the acts to be,
And not be hasty in ascribing cause.
 
We cannot see within another's mind
Or gauge the pain within another's heart,
But we can pause to try and think and feel—
And this has always been a practiced art
 
That now is more neglected. Who has time
To pause, reflect and try to comprehend?
It's easier to quickly blame and judge—
For breakage can be difficult to mend.
 
The habits that we have are useful but
They might be harmful if we let them steer
Our thoughts and words and actions. In our lives
We need at times to pause to see and hear.
 
2022, June 13^th, Mon.
Brooklyn, New York