Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z
ACCEPTANCE I am a word with teeth a crocodile sunning on a muddy bank Some fear me others misunderstand me and the way I’d like them to be I rest in what is belly bulging drowsy still Yet I do not flounder as you do in that unhappy swamp between the way things are as a plover picks bits of meat from my mouth 8 Persona written in the voice of the subject of the poem
Do we dare be ourselves That is the question that counts Pablo Casals IRENE SAYS For many years I thought acceptance was some sort of giving in a weakness I’ve believed strongly in my own power to change things to create the life I want But what about the things I can’t change Acceptance is actually coming to peace with those things which takes tremendous courage I can’t change other people I can only change me And instead of beating myself up for not being more social more outspoken more forgiving more whatever the best thing I can do is accept myself right where I am at this very moment Because like that drowsy crocodile where I am and where you are is exactly where you need to be TrY It Today give yourself and those around you a break Allow everyone to be where they are Come back to this book tomorrow and the next day and the next See what happens 9
Ally Take one cup of understanding When you listened without interruption after I explained why a joke you made about my faith wasn’t funny to me then apologized afterwards Two dollops of fortitude When you stood next to me when a pack of bullies made fun of my complexion staring at them so fiercely I thought each of them would dissolve until one by one they walked away defeated Three pinches of support When you were the only friend to show up at my first solo piano recital Afterwards my no-nonsense mother said You should invite him over for dinner sometime Stir and marinate When you did each of these things I realized this unbreakable unshakable support is the vital ingredient in a wholehearted ally List a list or inventory of items people places or ideas 10
The first thing we need allies to do is listen Come to us with a willingness to grow and evolve You’re going to make mistakes and that’s fine but be willing to listen and grow from those mistakes I think that’s the most important trait an ally can have Sarah McBride CHArLES SAYS I don’t have many friends yet the ones I do have time and again come through for me My college professor Jane Tinker Foderaro was one of these humans When I was figuring out how to navigate the world after college graduation her conversations with me about life professionalism and hard work helped me find my way in this glorious complicated world I soaked up her suggestions and did my best to apply them to my own life She took the time to listen dispense advice and believe in me Now I do my best to be an ally as well and I hope you can too TrY It Is there a friend acquaintance or someone you may only know a little who supported you during a time of crisis in your life Use the knowledge they gave you and be the same kind of ally to someone else 11
