When I stare through the eyes of another,

Before my mind starts to categorize,

Before judgments rain upon a brother,

It is the heart I need to emphasize;

When I see the vast sea of black and white,

Before my hand may touch the cool water,

Before presumptions grow to be the plight,

Empathy can prevent this manslaughter;

When I watch the spark turn into a flame,

Before my lungs succumb to the great smoke,

Before anger controls and directs blame,

Forgiveness will discourage and not stoke;

In this, I take hold of those around me,

Together we form our family tree.