Forged

From the poet:

“Forged” began as meditation on the way we disagree, especially through the filter of social media. Unfettered access to the opinions and ideas of others, and the often shielded opportunities to respond those opinions, have changed the way we conflict with each other. When we choose to engage in ideas, we are also choosing to expose ourselves to abuse, censure, and judgement. The challenge has become, do I still engage, and if so how?

Like the chemical reaction that turns iron into steel, we have the opportunity to use our engagement with others to refine our purpose, strengthen our resolve and fortify ourselves. The process of smelting removes elements from raw ore to produce a more pure and refined product. It’s the application of heat that allows the metal to become malleable and able to change into something stronger, more powerful.

In the “smelter of public opinion”, we have to choose to whether we will be forged by anger and self- righteousness or grace and humility. When we bring humanity to the table, when we see on the other side of the argument someone equally as passionate and flawed as ourselves, when we commit to justice, when we focus on doing what is right and not just winning, we stand a better chance at effecting positive change than if we just throw our hurt and rage at our opposition.

– Cara Cullen