Imagine
we begin each day,
each encounter,
each interaction
with a treaty.

Conversations might
dance more directly
toward our humanity.
“I acknowledge
you deserve space to speak.”
“I acknowledge
you can teach me.”
“I acknowledge
our worth is equal.”
I acknowledge
I do not have all the answers.”

Our encounter with nature
would begin
“I acknowledge
I am a visitor here.”
“I acknowledge
I have no right to traple or displace
homes of animals, birds, insects.”
“I acknowledge
I may enjoy the abundance
only as one of millions of creatures.”
“I acknowledge
I have no governance over the land’s resources.”

To neighbors and strangers,
“I acknowledge
we are all just passing through.”
“I acknowledge
I must treat each person as a fellow traveler.”

Imagine.



*A poem in response to “Kulila” by Ali Cabby