Remember they were human

they were all humans, every last one in that war
they died as soldiers but what were they before?

they were sons who cried when stung by a bee
they were fathers practicing patience as much as they could be
they were workers and laborers with a favourite mug for tea
they were humans, just like you and me

so when we remember the cost of those days
let's us not think just of the past and all of its ways
let us imagine the present, and what it would mean
for so many to fight, what a sight to be seen

when we remember the cost that so many paid
when we walk on the ground with a memorial laid
let us remember the humans, not numbers in a toll
but as people, as humans, every last soul 

***

Written in a remembrance Sunday service at Holy Apostles

My flag

You may share my flag
But we aren't the same
We use the same labels
But it's not in my name

This often feels cruel
Like, in a better place
I could be openly "this"
No nuance to face

Be it Christian, male
British, scientist
cis-gender, able-bodied
Or even optimist

There are many like me
But they are not like me
They share hate and fear
And they proclaim purity

But it's my flag as well
It hangs at my side
I would like to wave it
It's just...tough to do so with pride.

Cruel or kind

Some are keen to say we're cruel
That we have something rotten inside
They relish in pointing out flaws
They even do it with pride!

If we are truly kind at heart
Then I take courage in this fact
That we have something deep within us
That inspires us to act

If we aren't kind at core
I think I take comfort in this too
For every kindness I then see
Is a deliberate act followed through

In life, we witness much to make us sad, much to make us cheer
Just remember that you choose how to see the world that will appear

Conflict-avoidance

So, what's the level you go to avoid conflict?
And I'm not talking about a virtuous fight
I'm talking social situation, anxious persuasion
To avoid being up worrying late at night

I want to be true to myself most of the time
But I know I'll walk an extra mile if I'm asked
To save my face and not take up space
I'll happily take on being over-tasked

In certain situations I know things flip
I can sense another trying to fit in around me
And it's also true no matter what I do
I can sense a kin acting awkwardly

It's hard to find a balance, like a lot of life
We'll go great lengths to avoid a little strife
I'll try to be more open, and also more aware
To still be myself, but still show that I care