As humans we are stuck. Making the same mistakes In one form or another, Over and over. Between the push and pull Of politics, clout and emotions. Picking sides where there aren’t any.

We coerce each other into opposing factions The us versus them But there is no us and them, There is only us, There is only we.

There are no borders, No lines dividing regions It’s all make-believe Fictional edges designed to give shape To a false notion that we belong in distinct groups But the edges are blurring And our differences bring us together; ‘Unity through diversity’.

We can’t be who we are Without each other. Our individuality requires social context. Everyone is necessary, Every life has meaning and substance.

Individuals connect with each other Not through religion, race, gender or status But through shared experiences and interests. Sometimes we just need to venture out, Search our roots and core values. To reveal what we really are, Where we truly belong.

We are multi-variable equations, With varying parameters and constraints. Nobody is ever the same But nobody is ever completely different. These are the axioms of our humanity.

The colours of our souls Define what we are, Not the colours of our skins; Underneath we are all— Just white, pink and patches of darkness.

I can see your smile, Through the strands of your hair. Like summer sunshine seeping through branches of a tree.

I can hold your gaze, With its endless affection piercing my core, showing all that I am without my mask.

I could take a million pictures of you, Yet never capture, The way I see you through my own eyes.

I want to dance with you, To nothing but the ambient sounds Of traffic on the streets.

I often walk beside you, And our intimate silence Holds the magic of endless conversations.

I linger patiently, For the warm moments of your embrace. Melting away the cold shackles of my heart.

Of all the things I didn’t say But later remembered, You should know I always meant the best for you.

And now, As the lonely off note keys Plays out into the streets. Can you feel my smile, as I sit here next to you?

My tree, She dwells outside my window I’ve known her a long while. She ages in mind and wisdom While her whole changes slowly. Her leaves may fly adrift Towards the bright silhouette. Her barks may chip and flake, Let the pieces fall as they may. But she’ll always be here, My familiar serene friend.

My tree, She peers out at the moon, In the calmness of the night. She soothes the gentle wind, Whispering her soft hymns. Whilst the moon suavely smiles, Bemused at the tree’s delight. For she dances with the wind, Whimsical, beneath the starry blue sky.

My tree, She’ll be here evermore While I hold my gaze to hers. Watching her stumble in the brightness of the day. Watching her sway in the moonlit night. I will always watch over her. She is my pleasant haunting, My favourite tree.