i spend a lot of my time writing <br />about freedom, dignity, and equality.... <br />using a lot of different forms, just <br />trying to be heard.... <br />but i've come to the understanding <br />that whether i write it, sing i, play it <br />on guitar, paint it, dance it, or write <br />it on signs and march it..... <br />doesnt matter! <br />what matters is whether i live it! <br /> <br />when i can look into another human being's <br />eyes and not see color, gender, religious <br />or political idealogies, or sexual preference... <br />when i know that their mistakes and failures <br />are my own... that there is no difference <br />between us... that we have the same needs <br />and desires... and that we need each other..... <br /> <br />when i'm willing to listen, to offer a hand up, willing <br />to work and walk beside of (not in front of!) .... <br /> <br />when my thoughts, words, and actions reflect a deep <br />reverence and respect for all that lives.... <br />when my choices validate humanity..... <br /> <br />when i can see without judging... when i'm <br />willing to speak the truth at all costs.... <br />to give all that i have, and all that i am, <br />regardless of the risk.... <br />when my own life matters less to me than <br />the lives of those i come in contact with.... <br />when i'm willing to stand up for what's right, <br />for compassion, and for hope... even if it <br />costs me my own life.... <br /> <br />then, and only then, i will have become <br />the poem i've tried all of my life to write... <br />then and only then, i will have become <br />fully human.... and will have answered the call <br />that we all have.... <br /> <br />will i continue to write? yes! <br />but day by day, moment by moment.... <br />i'll keep working! <br />will you join me?<br /><br />Eric Cockrell<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/notes-from-freedom-s-heart/
