Disagree and Get Along

This one came to me as I listened to the campaigns going on the past year and to people at church. I'm constantly amazed at how I feel the need to be right and in taking that mode of operation I fail to listen and learn from all the amazing people I am surrounded by. One of my new year's resolutions is to sit back and listen, especially to those I disagree with. We have so much to learn from another and often I find that my disagreement is founded on misunderstanding. There always seems to be more we agree on than not and that is a foundation to build on for resolution and ideas. Still I believe as a society we have a problem with being able to disagree and knowing that it is okay.

Disagree and Get Along

Does it have to be a paradox
To disagree and get along
Why can't there be differences
Without it being taken wrong

Exclusion from something meaningful
Just because of different views
It borders on insanity
So why is this the path we choose

It is not a personal affront
To listen to dissonant thought
Or is it all too tolerant
To be challenged and maybe taught

Politician and a minister
Dispute the "facts" they freely spew
As if their words and not actions
Will help determine what is true

My own words disagree with myself
Why can't I live the words I write
To disagree and get along
Would give me vision more than sight