Bias and Bigotry

I know that rotten fish-smell,

while walking along the beach.

An odor I want to vanquish,

when it’s just within my reach.

I can’t find or see it, 

It’s hidden, but I know it’s real.

It dampers my beach-tranquillity,

A peacefulness I long to feel.

Like racial bias or bigotry,

infiltrating our social space.
It gives a putrid stench,

while covering up a face.

A face of ignornace and prejudice,

A face of ignited fear.

A face of an aggressive bully,

positioning to domineer.   




                  

It’s hard to find or see it, 

It hides behind a smile.

An offensive slur or joke,

can put us off awhile.

A damper to hopefulness,  

for a quality coexistence.

It’s not an impossible task,

but needs strong resistance.

Take off the mask and name it,                 

give it a face we can see.

The beach will be a better place,

to walk in tranquillity.

Graffiti on the Berlin Wall

"No man is born hating another person...
People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for loves comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."   Nelson Mandela