By D. R. DiFrancesco

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What forms men’s opinions I do not know

Subtle things most likely I suppose

Surely it is not formed through confrontation

Argument only serves to harden in consternation

Guilty of anger as passion takes hold

Forcing ideals with a hammer so bold

Attempts to dissuade in this fashion oft fail

Portrayed as stolid, hearts and minds travail

Better left to the facts in a calm voice confirmed

Than to bully and batter into submitting discern

Higher virtue it is to listen then speak

Rather than dismiss out-of-hand without the appraisal they seek

To differ in perspective is what betters this world

Reforming what’s weak and hope no insults be hurled

Strive in debate to accept with a smile

That which at first painful may become amenable in a while

This struggle I face with contrary views

Serves to enlighten and enrich no matter which path I choose