Each of us matters.

We are not responsible, for decisions that were made_
In olden times, before most of us were born.
Such mistakes are more clearly seen, by the conscience of today
But then, a Nation’s actions, obeyed a different norm.

I will not make excuses for injustice done,
By those who, for selfish reasons, ignored humanity
But let us not, with hindsight, react intemperately
For only ‘Understanding’ will give foresight to see.

But I am, in part, responsible, to find a better way
Sadly those who suffered, will not, by our protests gain,
For selfishness still creates the troubles of today,
We must learn, now, to avoid creating further pain.

Pulling down the statues, posing on bended knee,
Does nothing more, than separate, those who, without pretence
Co-operate with willingness, to find a better way,
Seeking conflict resolution, not selfish recompense.

All lives matter, black, white and mixtures in between
Beliefs, are too, a stumbling block, where arguments abound
But if we start with friendship, without the prejudice,
Acceptance of variety, is more likely to be found.

George Potter