A Kind Word

 It is too easy 

In this age of

Ultrafast global exchange

Of data, ideas and opinions

To forget to be

Kind and careful

In all of our communications.

So let’s agree to make

Every effort 

To be kind and thoughtful 

With what we share and 

How we share it. 

Let’s de-weaponize our opinions 

Disarm our datasets

Demilitarize our negotiations

And

Learn the tactics of truthtelling,

Just dialogue and equitable intercourse.

Let’s learn how to use language 

In a way that builds without tearing down,

Critiques without blaming,

Interrogates without shaming and

Confronts while restoring,

That wounds only to heal, and 

Elevates, celebrates and ennobles the highest virtues 

While mourning lost innocence and missed 

Opportunities. 

If we make a start today,

With one conversation,

One deleted email, text or tweet,

We may find those missing pieces 

Of our minds that we have become

So proficient at giving 

Away.