All of us have been victims of injustice, whether significant or otherwise. When we encounter unfairness, our typical response is to retaliate in frustration. I know I bristle, and I’m a firecracker. And who can blame us?
Injustice is difficult to swallow. Forgiving someone who has taken us for granted or taken advantage of us is no walk in the park. The scales of justice are impossible to fuse when broken, and seeking vengeance is a natural reaction.
Retaliation may not be a suitable response. Perhaps the person had a bad day and needs a bit of empathy. Seeking justice
of any kind is difficult if the person who broke those scales is one of higher authority than yourself.
How, then, should we respond? We should never, of course, condone the behavior – we are trying to be positive without being Pollyanna. Offer a bit of empathy at a suitable time. Calmly assert yourself and set boundaries.
Enjoy this Abecedarian poem.
A pair of scales shattered
Broken links
Chains battered
Dragged awry, stand unstable
Even balance no longer able
Forgoing arm of he who shakes,
Grace in short stock
Heart aches
Icy cold, like Arctic Rocks
Joined plates of probity at stake
Kinship with he who rocks the stand
Links of love in disarray, hard to mend
Mercy’s balance with a thought restored
On even floor, blindfold no more ignored
Probity swings slowly, though not grand
Quiet lady justice lifts the scales,
Rickety they are, they tell their tale
Silently she sets her bounds
To those who dare to trounce
Unifies broken scales when time comes round
Vengeance not needed
When even mercy heeded
Xenodike lady and spear
Yield to none, still appear
Zoom to heal when pleaded.
The Getting Literal Writing Alcove 