It would seem to me, an observer, that more finger-pointing and name calling has occurred in the comments than in the writing... "doth your conscience prick you?" Difference of opinion does not assume intolerance of another's view only a difference in how each view... This is a timely and courageous work that you have put out there Gavin.

WOW, true poetry, as backed up by the comments. I see at least four comments make you out to be a villain, based on a piece of writing. The comments perfectly reflect the piece, and show what you deal with, endure on a regular basis, all because you opened a site for them to post their works. How dare the site owner have an opinion about anything. Geez, Gavin your words are more powerful having read the comments. You know I don't think any of the "four" even commented on this actual poem or how it was written, but how they felt/perceived it. Excellent writing Gavin, anytime it stirs the soul, or fans the fire, you have accomplished something.

Amen! I think you were not letting yourself off of the hook when expressing what you have endured Gavin. You have been for the most part a very patient man!

this is a very powerful write... i do not know or care of the conflicts here, as a poem, all it's own, it is a very well written piece of work... blessings...

Who - me? Well, maybe not...I guess the world deoesn't revolve around me after all :>

This is a great piece of commentary. Nothing that should offend anyone as it happens from both sides of any controversial issue.

Really an excellent POTD! This can sadly be applied to many aspects of our human relationships. I really like the stand-alone lines - there will always be disagreement, but how we deal with others is what counts.

Totally wonderful - I get this all the time, but I refuse to sink to the level of these types of people. CONGRATULATIONS on POTD! WOO HOO! Let's hear it for the Grand Poobah!
~Chelle~

cool lines. like the line breaks and repeated rhymes. "You may not have my respect, that’s true Respect is earned, what did you do?" indeed! how often do we witness real debate, real dialogue? it's certainly not modeled on most cable news shows. it is unfortunate that this intolerance you speak of has happened before, and will happen again. but the tide can change, and more of us will see the value of listening, or at least of tolerating one another. thanks for a thought provoking read. great, and timely choice for POTD! PK

Well said Gavin. Seems maybe tolerance is composed of about nine parts apathy to one of brotherly love. Excellent potd. Thanks.

This - I (and I know others) live through, and your poem softens the feeling of being all alone in these situations. I'm glad this made POTD, because I'd read it when first becoming acquainted with Pathetic...& was still learning how to place a poem in my favorites. Where it belongs! Shalom, Gavin!

Wow! How did I miss this gem? Evocative, and so relevant in today's post 9-11 world. Congrats on making the Top 10...well deserved!

We are all, each and every one of us judged in some way....one needs to remember only this, as long as we are happy with who we are, who cares? Consider first the source.

So many problems in this world are created by intolerance and ethnocentrism. Great description of the problem.

Soooo...powerful. That's the only word for it. Nicely done. Just enough to get the point across perfectly. Be proud of your work...It's worth the sin!