The Way of Witness

The Way of Witness was written by Catbird parent Mary Zamparini  

Turning our shoulder to look away,

Will not bring us to a brighter day.

People say that when there’s a will, there’s a way.

But forget that when there’s a hill, there’s still a way.

  

As many flaunt their crowns and their gowns,

And they neglect the frowns and the downs,

They forget our presence isn’t permanent.

When appraising life, what is determinant?

Everyone has a deeper meaning to share.

Some keep it bottled up, and others don’t care.

Instead of guarding the precious inventory,

Try sharing and changing a story.

It can be following an inner leading

Or picking up a paper that needs reading.

We all can take a role in bearing witness.

It is a ­­­­beautiful and forgotten fitness.

It’s not like strengthening and conditioning

But rather a slight mental renditioning.

People talk about the eye of the tiger

But forget about the cry of the writer.

And what about the try of the fighter who doesn’t win the gold?

Do their efforts fade when their stories are never told?

And what about the other stories that can make change?

When perspective becomes reflective, thoughts rearrange.

It is interesting that the word witness contains “wit”

Because that word does very little to explain it.

In fact, it doesn’t require wit

Just a feeling down in your pit—

An experience that you need to share

Or an urge to show someone that you care.

There is no need for strenuous labor,

Just reach out to a passing neighbor.

We all can contribute a small part

And ignore our wit and open our heart.

For those who may have lost their way

And seek truth at the closing of the day.

Be wary of the profiting preachers.

Instead look to the childhood teachers.

They instill empathy and sharing

And avoid the green grass comparing.

They teach to not look away, but rather find a way

By prompting nice words to say with nurturing play.

This plants seeds of the world that sprout love to surround it,

So that we can leave this world better than we found it.

Whether you are the receiver or the giver.

The current carries kindness like a river.

It spreads to the roots of the trees

And nourishes the canopies.

Tight rivers open to a great ocean

As paths are seen and paths are chosen.

Watch for the signs and the life tokens.

The way reveals and the way opens.

It could be a gentle hand on your worried back

Or simply helping someone pick up a sack.

Instead of turning a shoulder, we learn to bend a knee.

And at the essence of witness, we all learn to see.

When we stop thinking about what returns to me,

We can instead focus on the longer journey.