Temporarily encamped
in enemy territory,
a confidante, observer,
practicing external camouflage –
a dangerous game.
Am witness to hatred –
the deep-seated, ‘us’ vs ‘them’
mentality that divides –
vulnerability on high –
I am clearly ‘other’ –
a tourist trapped,
powerless to affect change,
in need of escape.
One Woman's Quest 
Powerful poem that raises an ugly truth of how we are caught in teh dualities we dislike.
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“dualities” is a good term. I’m not sure how to respond when seemingly ‘good’ people utter such blatant hate.
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Yes, integrity demands not stooping, and that’s a tough call given the intensity of feeling, I always feel great that I didn’t cave in, but grieved that I didn’t launch a strike.
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Exactly!
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I’m so sorry you found yourself in that situation. The world has become such a shocking and ugly place. đŸ˜¢
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Some days, some lives, some people seem destined to feel–if not truly be–in the wrong place.
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I sure was in this instance.
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My sympathies.
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This speaks of being trapped in a double bind; fearful and outraged at the same time.
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That’s exactly how I felt, thanks Heather.
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You’re welcome.
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Wow, this is pretty intense. It’s such a sad shame that our world has come down to being so frightened to step outside without fear is a huge factor. Vey well written.
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caught in the wrong place at the worst of times….that is what your poem says to me. brings back memories of me stranded in an airport after a life changing world event. we can’t hide the colour of our skin like we can our feelings or do people even not try to anymore. hate is such an ugly colour.
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That’s about it. Very uncomfortable
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