Where Shall We Begin?

Where Shall We Begin?

How shall I learn to treat you

as a human being rather than a

human doing?

Shall we begin not with you

or with me

but rather with some third thing we

gather ‘round

forming a Circle of Trust© centered

at every point, every point

at the edge of another?

Shall we resist

learning about each other

in favor of learning from

each other?

Perhaps our story-gifts will invite

deep listening, understanding,

and the sort of trust that binds

relational not transactional

Maybe a voice on the margin,

some perspective across

the circle, can connect

us freshly, bridging

inner call and organizational demand

with the rhythm of seasons--

the stars, the trees, the dirt, our bodies…

Dare we navigate

difference un-polarized,

un-minimized,

accepting, adapting?

Where shall we begin?