Poem: "Do Unto Others"

by Benjamin M. Saalbach / Walsh

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you;

Do not do unto others as you would have others not do unto you.

In the modern world it seems some people want to be denounced as evil...

Some of these are modern Christian leaders of the fundamentalist creed

They got what they wanted before they showed their want

When Islamic fundamentalist leaders denounced Americans and Christians as evil.

To do unto others right we must be mindful

And watch ourselves warily from an opposing eye

Who would criticize us when we need criticism

In other words, we have to pretend we are done unto when we do.

I've heard that a lot of people aren't brave enough to want

To be corrected when they're wrong -

These are the religious moderates

Who have remained silent when hatred is preached.

Maybe they don't realize

What harm this true unilateralism can bring:

A fiery leader who does the people's thinking for them

Undenounced by lesser leaders who are yet

Greater in wisdom and compassion.

If you ever want anyone to believe in you

Then you ought to try to believe in others sometimes

How you want to be corrected when you're wrong

Thusly correct the wrongs of others

Explain to them just what fools they are

At least, if that's the way you want others to try and teach you.

If you teach by example rather then force

Then you will have earned the teachings of those who teach similarly

Though sometimes wisdom may require tough love to see others through

Just be aware that the same may sometimes be true of you.

If you want others to hate you

And scream how evil and wrong you are

Become the sort of fundamentalist

Who, in short, forgets the fundamentals and preaches hatred instead.

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