once, after a particularly animated
exchange with a loved one

both of us expressing
“our” points of view

which happened
to differ

a stroke of luck - flashed,
for an instant being able to see

how entrenched “my” views were
how right they felt

how “my” views came
with such urgency

impatiently seeking
to be expressed

even intolerant to listening
to my loved one’s views

what an intoxicated state
to find the mind in!

next came curiosity
and questions:

how did these views
came to be “my” views?

when had they last,
or ever, been examined?

how long had they had
full access to mind and mouth?

realizing there is no freedom at all
when being tempted to argue hotly

for any view
that inhabits the mind

this stroke of luck caused
a humbling pause and flood of gratitude