by DiNamic McCollough

The Art of Communication 

Keep it open and honest 

Respectful in earnest 

Do your best 

To be considerate and humble 

Conflict does not mean a rumble 

Of fistacuffs or words 

See it would be absurd 

To think 

You can shrink 

Someone down to size 

Because your emotions  

Might capsize— 

It is imperative 

Get both sides of the narrative 

You have your feelings 

Another has their revealing 

Exhale your thoughts don’t need concealing

But know your logic is not the ceiling

What is on another person’s mind 

Is crucial although a different kind 

Of reality 

Or lacking factuality— 

Be patient with expressions of their convictions Do not expect a dereliction 

Of their insides 

It’s their obligation 

To have a conversation— 

And just remember 

Sometimes the offender 

Is the descender 

Going to great depths 

Of offensive verbal missteps— 

That doesn’t make it beyond your reach.

To control yourself then you can teach

By your example 

There will always be ample 

Opportunities 

To respond properly 

If you use humility— 

When it is your turn to speak 

Try not to go beyond the peak 

Of respect and empathy 

Not reactionary— 

Be direct 

Don’t allow another to project 

Their disrespect 

Upon your word choice 

Be true to your own voice— 

Strike the balance 

Between authenticity 

And too much specificity 

Know when and to whom 

There is productive room 

To fully express  

Or pause and later resume— 

Remember to consider your audience 

Is it someone who easily takes offense If uncertain of their mind’s direction 

Be wise, use thoughtful discretion 

Hold back others don’t deserve ammunition Control yourself, make a wise decision— Be insightful and humble 

Kind and mindful— 

Work to have productive conversations

May you have success in the art of communication

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