Read| Listen| Write
Bridges
Full Text By Neelanjan Patri
The differences between us towered, a shadow across the horizon,
The chasm overwhelming and unyielding in its expanse,
Were we meant to cling to the fragile threads of what we knew?
And anchor ourselves to the familiar, fearing the unknown tides?
Some began to question the sanctity of our ways we eulogized,
The other side had their own, and they seemed to thrive as well,
Was there merit in our unwavering belief in the supremacy of our ideals?
Or was there wisdom in extending our understanding of others?
Ironically, trouble brewed as the other side began to flourish,
We noticed a mosaic of diversity, a melody of contrasts in their ranks,
A harmony with differences, working hand in hand through triumphs and setbacks,
But the question remained – what was the catalyst of their success?
A gentle shift in thinking of once-rigid thoughts took hold among us,
What wisdom had they unearthed, what truths did they hold?
Rumors whispered of walkways and channels opening between them
and others, pathways leading to places vastly different from ours.
Slowly and tentatively the brave emerged, trying to gain momentum,
A few even trying to reach out to the other for the very first time,
Tentative steps were heavy with fear and hesitation,
Until one day, contact was made – a strange and unfamiliar embrace yet uplifting!
Gradually, the puzzle revealed itself, success was no accident,
They had labored ceaselessly, overcoming opposition to reach beyond their shores,
Building bridges with the other side, welcoming them, making them feel wanted,
What started as a trickle became a steady stream, fear replaced with excitement!
Yet the journey wasn’t embraced by all, broken by a focus on differences,
Some decried the dilution of culture, the disrespecting of our ancestors,
Voices of dissent echoed, clinging to the past, superiority at the helm,
But ultimately the growing majority spoke, and the bridge started to be built.
I stand today, gazing at the monument to connection,
An eternal testament to bridges that have and continue to span our divide,
Pleading humans to connect, not for fleeting, frivolous or familiar,
But for triumph of humanity as we embrace, uplift, promote, learn and live together.
Let bridges shape the soul of our world, not politics divide us.
Meet the Poet – Neelanjan Patri
Neelanjan Patri says, “Poetry provides me with a medium to express myself on personal experiences and topics that impact me as an individual and society in general. The ability to see an individuals’ views with respect to the societal narrative helps educate me on how we need to do more to be inclusive and respectful of diverse ideas and viewpoints.”
I write and therefore I am that forever learning person. It is with the help of those who have been in my life, conjured magical moments, borne the hurt, felt the oppression, and opposed the unjust that I can even write freely today. To them I am eternally grateful.
Let Us Hear From You!
Thank you for your response. ✨
poetry pathway chattanooga 