By Karnamrita dasa
Is it really so surprising
that anyone–even a senior–
would be a fool
for love and intimacy?
So many are affected
by the lure of infatuated love,
the need to be understood, appreciated
and accepted by a dear friend.
Whenever I hear or
make a criticism, I know
what I see is also
within me, at least potentially.
Criticizing another is
putting my self above them,
forgetting my own defects
and vulnerabilities.
Sometimes the loudest judgment
arises from hidden secrets
of those with similar problems
or who fear that part of themselves.
Certainly there are standards
to be encouraged and upheld, yet
the shortcomings we notice in others
often says more about us than them.
Is our first reaction
anger and indignation,
or do we feel compassion
and think to reach out to help?
We are so quick to
forget the value of a person,
the good they have done, to speak
their infamy with four mouths.