Common Ground

Today I will teach a gaggle of tweens
How to “Find Common Ground.”

I will explain the concept of
Collaborative mediation.

I will demonstrate the elements
Of a respectful debate.

I will delineate between
Facts and opinions.

I will distinguish
Personhood from belief.

We will practice
Coming to consensus.

We will learn about
Majority rules and compromise.

We will make promises
About how to act as citizens.

We will set intentions
For being stewards of the world.

And through all of this
On the streets of our cities

A vastly different reality
Unravels and defies.

I can teach Common Ground
But can we all live it?