Judge Softly, Part II

This is a poem that I wanted to share last week but thought now would be a perfect time to share.  The title of the poem is Judge Softly and the author's name is Mary T. Lathrap.  




Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps, 
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the moccasins he wears, 
Or stumbled beneath the same load.

There may be tears in his soles that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
The burden he bears placed on your back
May cause you to stumble and fall, too.

Don't sneer at the man who is down today
Unless you have felt the same blow 
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.

You may be strong, but still the blows
That were his, unknown to you in the same way,
May cause you to stagger and fall, too.

Don't be too harsh with the man that sins.
Or pelt him with words, or stone, or disdain.
Unless you are sure you have no sins of your own, 
And it's only wisdom and love that your heart contains.

For you know if the tempter's voice
Should whisper as soft to you,
As it did to him when he went astray,
It might cause you to falter, too.

Just walk a mile in his moccasins
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse.
If just for one hour, you could find a way
To see through his eyes, instead of your own muse.

I believe  you'd be surprised to see
That you've been blind and narrow minded, even unkind.
There are people on reservations and in the ghettos
Who have so little hope, and too much worry on their minds.

Brother, there but for the grace of God go you and I.
Just for a moment, slip into his mind and traditions
And see the world through his spirit and eyes
Before you cast a stone or falsely judge his conditions.

Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins
And remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave
In other people's lives, our kindnesses and generosity.

Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins.

This poem was written in 1895 but stills speaks to me (and hopefully you) in 2016.  I know that last Wednesday was a bit chaotic and caused some of us to truly feel inept but I hope that you learned more about at least one of your co-worker's load and maybe even a bit more about a student or two we serve. 

To truly wrap up our experience, please post here.  I look forward to seeing your creative post.  This is the last post for 2016 so THANK YOU for a memorable 2016 and I look forward to an amazing 2017!

December 19-20, 2016

Monday, December 19

• TOY NCDPI Visit for Falls (those participating have been emailed so please be on time to PLC room at assigned time)
• Progress Monitor Red TRC/DIBELS Students
• Awards Day at 1PM (K-3rd Grades)
• IS Planning - Block 4 at 3:30 in Cafe
• TCEA Board Mtg at 5:15 PM in Music Room

Tuesday, December 20

• 2nd and 3rd Grade Field Trip to Raleigh
• Progress Monitor Red TRC/DIBELS Students
• PLC CANCELLED
• Awards Day at 1 PM (4th-7th Grades)
• Chrismahanukwanzakah TCEA Staff Party 5-8 PM / Secret Santa Revealed