Fiction & Nonfiction
A pair of eyes is approaching and there is something vaguely familiar. The hair too is somehow recognisable. I look with some hesitancy for a reaction from the other. Just the merest flicker would be enough. But all I see is my own hesitation reflected back, as if from a mirror. So we pass, two strangers in masks. Or were we? I guess we will never know.
Words © Neil Hayes and neilhayeswrites
Don’t laugh, don’t joke. Don’t criticise or question. It seems these days, so many people are suffering from a lack of strength. The thin skinned, the snowflakes, whatever title they are given they seem to take offence at everything.
Those who suffer from this condition come from all areas of life. The whole political spectrum is covered; don’t criticise or joke about a sex, don’t take my gun. The religious world uses this condition as its own armour; if you criticise the actions of Israel then you must be an antisemite.
The need for protection and support has become the need for silence. Criticise at your peril, for you may need stronger protection yourself. But the world needs critics, it needs ideas, it needs intelligent thought. So don’t snuff it out, please, just think about it. A silent world would be a scary place.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Feeling bad-tempered,
so don’t wind me up.
I could get weird,
with too much stimulation.
.
.
© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswriter
This is probably a popular answer to the question, “What are you allergic to?”, but ignorance certainly gets the biggest reaction from me. Whether it is a lack of education, a lack of empathy or simply a lack of care. People’s ignorance makes me come out in hives. It is up to me to control my reaction, only this week I shouted at someone who was blocking the road, and I have to work more on controlling my thoughts and reactions.
And also have to remember, at those times, that I have my own ways of being ignorant too. Most people do, it’s just that other people’s foibles are more irritating than your own. So, take that deep breath and practice some empathy before criticising. But, sometimes, it’s easier said than done.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
We all have one
Sometimes thought out
Sometimes instinctive
Which is better?
To think or to act?
Why not both?
.
.
© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswriter
neilhayeswrites 