Coflict is...

I am currently enrolled in a conflict resolution class at the University of Oregon. 

I love this class.

There is such a wide diversity of students! 

Different backgrounds, race, sex, majors. 

But all of them have one thing in common, they all want to resolve conflicts in their lives.

Each week, we are assigned a journal topic... 

Last week's prompt was "conflict is..." 

I got super inspired and wrote two poems. 

 

Conflict is…

An enormous elephant in a room full of mice.

Suffocating feelings and taking up space.

Holding back connection and generating fear.

Their yelling and screaming, but the mice can’t be heard.

Speaking from passion, from power and love.

Can they find needs behind every shove?

Listening closely seems uneasy to do.

When that gray elephant takes a sit upon you.  

But,

Breaking hearts will not help break ground.

Those mice hide away but they want to be found.

Unassuming mice think the best of their friends.

So, without knowing better they invite the beast in.

It’s weighing them down, that big trunk and thighs.

It’s capturing their attention in commotion and lies.

“The exit! The exit!” they all scream in fear.

Not one mouse in this place thought they’d be here.

A space not quite big enough to fit with close friends.

Waiting just waiting for their torture to end.

Unavoidable struggle, in a room full of mice.

Maybe this time that elephant invite will be thought about twice.

Conflict is…

A bumblebee landing on a sunburned shoulder.

More of a fear than an actual bother.

So you’ll scream and you’ll run in the other direction…

Not really understanding the truth behind actions.

No, it didn’t sting… but it could have, real bad!

No, it didn’t hurt… but that small face looked mad!

That bee, don’t you see? It was out to get me!

No harm no foul when it comes to a sting.

The way it buzzes around, it’s just annoying.

I was protecting my skin… it’s really win, win.

It didn’t die in the process, I’m kind of a hero.

This way my violent score will still be at zero.

I wouldn’t want to hurt you, my dear bumblebee.

I’ve got anger and I’m bigger. I’ve got ferocity.

But, just for you, I’ll use my kind words.

Your wings are so special, just like a lovable… bird?

Anyway,

I’ll stay out of your way on your search for sweet nectar

And from now on I’ll be your new… flower collector?

…

Phew! Just dodged that one with kindness… a close call for sure.

OUCH!

Well, I guess there’s always a sting you’ll have to endure.