–but all will not heed or follow

BOTH my father and godfather taught me truths that have helped me to repair ill will and persuaded me, at times, to reluctantly understand the nature of those who have surprisingly offended. To understand the value system behind the offence—and more importantly, to understand the personal gift of forgiveness. In some cases, it could also be expressed as farewell with a smile.

Even with family members, there is a common forgetfulness of deeds done yesterday, but it doesn’t require one to linger with a broken heart. When saddened, reminiscences return with a pointing finger, and regret and reproach are not recognised for the value they represent. It’s a big world, and everything you think is exclusive to you has been multiplied in legions—so move on. One’s inner strength and those troubling past experiences will echo resilience: to smile with caution and to explore every landscape that will woo at the cost of one little sacrifice of conscience—without bearing in mind that a sacrifice of conscience does not depart easily, if ever.

And as my godfather once said, “The biggest jumbie that will haunt yuh is a troubled conscience. So, measure what is in your power to do, provided that you’re normal, because science has discovered that there are people wired, brain-wise, differently. They’re called psychopaths and sociopaths. Theirs is a dim dimension, with the simple reception of a smile. Such things you must prematurely understand so as to be aware to step away from.”

My older brother’s passing taught me, and at least one younger brother, a grim lesson; to understand that the creatures that roam the labyrinths of classic mythology do exist. In many ways, the very creatures of mythic realms are summoned by our own actions.
Because their characteristics exist in the human nature of our world—within whom you least expect—and some people know how to summon their true nature.

We had this chat, and he ignored the analogies, leaving himself open to pay the price. The arrogance that goes with the assumption of knowledge does not always yield fruit. The knowledge of the procedures of every engagement is a priority; the perspectives of one’s ego and dependence on so-called friends shall mislead, sometimes too late for redemption. But through negotiations over logic and legal procedure toward rational adjustments, one can avoid premature conflict.

Why I chose this topic is rooted in the number of people I’ve met who wish to have things done but demonstrate no respect for, or shared value in, the dual reward of collective satisfaction. Over the years, I’ve learnt that no human business arrangement can be one-sided. And some, once commenced without the valued paperwork and understanding, will most likely not yield a worthy memorandum or any clarity of understanding in shared satisfaction, because it was never meant to be.

Always remember that human culture is as diverse as our moods and always requires keen observation and, ever so often, further clarity. It’s all in the culture, and not just in anticipated expectations. Pay attention, and you will see all our folk creatures where least you expect—before you err and regret.