Nation of Strangers
by Elouise
Nation of strangers
Forced choices
No winners
In this cacophony
Of bitter loss
And gleeful victory
Strangers to ourselves
In a never-never land
Indivisibly standing
Beneath competing flags
Disunited yet One
In Strangerhood
I thought I knew you
Until I didn’t
You my neighbor
My sister my brother
My one-time ally
Whose words now chill my heart
Niceness covered a multitude
Of pain and betrayal buried
In fear-filled hearts
Smiles helped us get by
Until we couldn’t any longer
Forced choices
Dare I go public
With fear and grief
Or do I smile and make nice
Nod when I hear
Everything will work out for the best
No matter what the cost
How do I retain integrity
Honor my neighbors
My womanhood
My patriotism
My Christian conscience
My personal and public dignity
I don’t want to be a Stranger
Or find you’ve become a Stranger
Dare I begin now
By looking you in the eye
How do you feel today?
Tell me about it — or not.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 11 November 2016
Response to WordPress Daily Prompt: Or
Telling the Truth 
The only thing you can do is honour your own self. ‘To thine own self be true….’ ((xx))
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A good word for all of us. Especially when it isn’t quite as easy as we’d like! 🙂
Elouise
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I feel like I’m able to get past most of that because we have been having vulnerable conversations with those in our church & our community for quite some time over the race issues. For me – to sit & listen without having to answer or give my opinion – just listen has been very rewarding, eye-opening & very comforting. We all want to be heard & want the best for our families.
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Thanks for sharing your experience regarding race issues. Most problematic for me right now are political differences that seem to be at an impasse. For me, those would be the most difficult conversations of all–especially given the outcome of this election. The differences involve longtime friends, including friends at church and family members who aren’t normally in my ‘stranger’ category. I’m so glad you commented!
Elouise
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I love this post! While I have had my beliefs shattered by some people, I’m pretty sure that most people are good with good intentions. The question is….is there any good in people we don’t understand?
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great post Elouise as always, I am hoping to continue to shine light and love on the world, my little bit to enact change….the world needs to wake up, be nice and look within before it is too late. ❤
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wise words, Kim. wake up…look within. I’m so happy our little lights are shining together! Thanks for these uplifting words.
Elouise 🙂
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Always be true to yourself at least. Well said!
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Thank you, TiL! Easier said than done, yet always the right choice. 🙂
Elouise
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That is true. We always say that to ourselves but to do it is really difficult.
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Indeed. Here’s to strength of character in these trying days! 🙂
Elouise
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Well said. I will drink a glass of water to that 😊😊
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Thank you kindly! I just joined you by raising a bottle of H2O! 🙂
Elouise
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😁😁😁
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