Extreme

At the end of every direction I look

I seem to see an extreme.

One is not likely to find truth at the extreme.

Those at the extreme look in every direction

And find only enemies

Or the wishy washy unconcerned moderates.

-

The peacemakers

–

Seeking what wisdom might lie

At the extreme

That might fit with the wisdom

Of a different extreme

To bring both extremes

Closer to truth

And find solutions to

Issues important to both.

I wonder how extreme I may be?

How could I measure my position?

If my friends all express the same view,

I might be extreme.

If those who do not agree with me

I see as enemies,

I might be extreme.

If I believe that those who express different view

Are evil, while those who agree with me are good,

I might be extreme.

If my view has not changed recently,

I might be extreme.

If the facts do not matter,

I am extreme!

If hatred is growing,

And Anger,

And fear,

I am extreme.

If love,

And mercy,

And grace,

And forgiveness,

And reconciliation

Are getting more difficult,

I am growing more extreme.

If it is I and only I

Then I have become “extreme”!!!

Billy Reese Masten

11/12/12