Beyond The Divide on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion – & Empathy 1. Diversity Single crop farms, however orderly and pleasing to the uncertain self, risks complete destruction by the slightest deviation, by a single intruder. It stands eroded, and weak, against change. Whereas an adaptable garden has no need to arrange its army. Ask any stock broker about diversification. Anyhow, you cannot paint the earth with one brush stroke and call it beautiful. 2. Equity However will the bees make honey in their little hives without a robust field of wildflowers? And the wildflowers – by what grace might they grow if not for the generous clouds floating across the entire sky? For each their own thriving requirements. Your survival depends on it. 3. Do I call this poetry? Protest? Politics? Better said to be plea, or prayer. Whatever you call it – you decide – what matters is that this changes you singularly, even if by minuscule suggestion, when considering the indiscriminate sun. You, too, are deserving. 4. Resistance strengthens opposition. This applies to everything, from civil liberties, to inner terrors. 5. Inclusion And what of God? If you fear Him, then fear your arrogance in assuming the role of His arbitrer. And if you love Him, then love Him, love all of Him, without condition, love all His beings, leave no one out. 6. Empathy A tree branches out to the degree it roots in. It becomes a home only if it finds a home. Forgive those who have forgotten how to be kind. They suffer still the violence of their inner oppressor. 7. Once there was a benevolence which birthed us. Once we stood from the ground, little dust motes, when God commanded – Rise! - and we rose. To be alive – is it not to accept this invitation? To be awake – does that not mean to allow this – all of this – into your heart? 8. May you be celebrated, however you are. May you never have need. May you learn the many names of belonging, yours among them. May your heart – whatever its condition – be always at peace and at ease.
