Why do the intolerant react with rage to positions of tolerance? I do not know. But taking such positions opens one up to vicious, frightening attacks. The only change in the 40 years since the incident below is the unlikelihood the epithet "nigger lover" would be used today. And I am not totally sure about that. Much as I hate writing that term, those were the words that were used.
On the Workboat to Liberty Island - 1970
Tolerance spoke softly, gently, in self-effacing terms,
Tuned thoughtfully to her companion - intolerance.
Foolishly depending upon vagueness and half-hearted accommodation,
To ALL others.
As a tiny match ignites the forest,
Did soft-spoken hints at difference
Fuse the explosion - of bigotry.
Two needles sprang into
The pale blue eyes of hate.
Instant comprehension of the hackneyed phrase -
"If looks could kill."
Could? Something died.
Tolerance cringed in fear before,
Naked eyes of hooded demons.
"Are you a nigger lover?" screamed the man (?)
"There are two sides..." she stammered.
"Are you a nigger lover, slut?"
Crushing, crashing down, she fled in terror
From the man -
There was left the inescapable.
The knowledge -
Of night riders; Gestapo; inquisition;
The inviability of tolerance,
Which, accommodating intolerance,
Is raped and murdered in her bed by
The guest who accommodates nothing.
Written February 8, 1977, seven years after the incident.
Here's what I think...
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