Compromise

Peace, a place where we can hate
And not act upon it.
Far better we take exception
Without describing the opposition as “Nazi”.

It would be childish to suppose
That good or evil exists
(Outside of a Ronald Reagan speech)
And you and I represent the latter.

I fear this wonderful country
That produced freedom for most,
And opportunity for many,
Has moved beyond it’s zenith.

Dialogue can lead to compromise
Only when we are willing to see
The “other”, though frail and faulted,
As an alternate voice.

A voracious virus
Deadly and unconscionable
Has entered our system.
It is incapable of moderation or reason.

Compromise is taken for weakness.
Followers of the beast are relieved of nuance,
Needing only the clear vision
That comes with fanaticism.