Maintaining Our Humanity

"Follow the three 'R's' - Respect yourself. Respect others. Take Responsibility for all your actions."

-- The Dalai Lama

***

We all have our traumas - I’ve said this much before.

Not one of us can claim to be free from past scars.

These wounds may change places from me to you.

But it is not the scar itself that gives our soul its shape.

Our foundation lies within the choices we make.

We have the free will to act how we wish.

One day to the next, our actions might flex.

But we cannot deny the impact our freewill might have.

When we examine our hearts, we find the motives within.

We have all been victims in this world so cruel.

We build up our boundaries so carefully around ourselves.

And sometimes when under attack, a defense we must make.

Yet, do not be fooled by your own inclinations.

There are those who will defend themselves without consideration.

Their humanity abandoned at the thought of vindication.

And others who retreat deep within the wall they’ve built up.

To be victim or offender, this choice they must make.

We all have our traumas, I’ve said as much before.

Your pain I would take away if only I could.

I’d take away the world’s pain if I had the strength within.

But to deny this simple truth we must be careful not to do:

When we’re victimized by others, sometimes our instincts take over.

We make ourselves offenders as our boundaries we aim to protect.

But no trauma in the past or present is reason enough.

To give ourselves over to this deep weakness inside.

Our humanity is tied up within the traumas we bear.

And no doubt can be cast upon this truth I’d like to share.

To be victim or offender is a choice we all make.

Our traumas and scars can be blamed on another.

But the blame is ours alone when offenders we choose to become.

***

"The more you are willing to accept responsibility for your actions, the more credibility you will have."

-- Brian Koslow

***

❤ Author's Note: Previously, I wrote a poem about finding our humanity through our shared traumas, which you can read HERE. This is a building upon that idea and the importance of not allowing ourselves to go from being the victim to being the offender. It is an observation I have made over the years many times, and that I have long-held to be one of the most important decisions we can ever make. We should never allow ourselves to be taken captive by those who would make us victims to the point of becoming a victimizer.

If you enjoyed what you read, please click HERE for more, and don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE! Tips are Always Greatly Appreciated!❤

Want to learn how to get more out of your Vocal experience? Read this:

Check out My First Top Story on Vocal with this Short Story about Finding Love:

And read this Short Story about a Bounty Hunter named Chloe!

Look below for one of my favorite poems and my Second Top Story on Vocal!

❤ Click HERE To Check Out My Main Profile Page! And As Always, Thank You - For Reading & Supporting My Work!! ❤