Day 40: Well
What if there’s no such thing as “the jerk?” What if, in any given fight, disagreement, impasse, and standoff, there was actually no “wrong side?” What if it was all just malady caused by lack of understanding, fatigue, and an empty well from which to draw compassion.
IF that “what if” were the case, I think I could replace anger with deliberation, defense with inquisition, and flight with pause.
I’m sure I would still stand with soft knees and ready reflexes, in anticipation of a dash to the door or a quick escape back inside my garrison or trench. I’m sure I would guardedly stare into the eyes too long after words were spoken with the mouth, and try to discern, “did I really hear?” and “was I really heard?”
IF that “what if” were the case, maybe I could exchange detachment for a hand shake. Maybe there need not be a conversion to a “side” or convincing to a “win.”
Maybe we could just stand.
Stand, facing the jerks and the wrongs and the maladies without reaction, and wait. With fists down and gloves off. just. wait.
Wait to see.
Wait to hear.
Wait to understand.
Wait for rain and replenished wells.
