Understanding

As a young child,
I watched
Amma holding together
her large clan
of four sons and a daughter
and their young children.

Often there would be
a difference of opinion
between the brothers.

As a curious teenager,
when I sought her opinion,
she would explain:

Often social conflicts
find their origin in
statements made
by one section,
grossly misunderstood
by another,
each oversimplifying
the essence.

Only when
linguistic differences
cease to take center stage
can social discord
find its way
toward reconciliation.

After all,
when the idea of togetherness
takes root,
words become silent,
and most differences
begin to dissolve
when we are
ready to listen.

Understanding is the path;
Harmony is the outcome.

Image courtesy: rajGuru Notes