JWG's Grand Hodgepodge — Tolerance & Kangaroo (2 poems)

39. Tolerance

Tolerance,
For an intolerant society,
Is Democracy.

The problem today
Is those who live in a Democracy
Don’t understand its fabric.

A Constitution is made
With small stepping stones which make a long path
To guide and control The Citizens.

Meandering, whenever they like,
The People become Neighbors to Strangers
Deftly evolving into Friends and Lovers.

Boundaries are denoted
Satisfying the selfish urge to own;
Yet, no one owns this Earth’s molten core.

The Center governs
By sporadic rumbles and eruptions
Disrupting the paths we choose.

We rebuild
Combining strength and kindness.
We tolerate Life.

40. Kangaroo

Kangaroo
Is a mammal I wouldn’t mind being.
It can hop around.

Its legs must be strong
To withstand the force pounding on its feet.
I look at that and say, “Ouch!”

I can no longer stand up
In the same spot for any length of time —
Never mind running, hopping, jumping.

The ones who are mobile are lucky.
I, myself, can walk which is a good thing.
I may be slow, but, I keep a steady pace.

People can be envious
Of actions which seem easy to others.
I recall running in my bare feet.

I am fortunate.
Each time I place my bad foot on the ground,
It screams a heartfelt, “Thank You!”

Animals
Can silently put up with chronic pain.
I know that I do.