Difference is a blessing, not a challenge. We define ourselves by knowing other people. We know our world by learning about difference. What is the word we often use? Tolerance. Is that a positive notion? Not really. 'For the time being, I will tolerate you?' I'm against that concept. It means difference is a threat. Difference is a blessing and you don't tolerate a blessing. You embrace it.
—Mohammad Mahallati
A studious reading of chaos (Reid)
If I lose my patience,
forgive me. Yesterday
I kicked a troop of saluting
soldiers down the stairs;
but at heart I still adhere
to the maxim, that through a studious
reading of chaos we may
arrive at the grammar of civilization.
Christopher Reid, from "The Ambassador"
Labels: poetry