I’ve Been To The Moon

I’ve been to the moon a time or two,
Floating above its surface, ruminating
On life, on love, on hatred;

Wondering why we cannot accept
Our uniqueness as individuals
While still respecting those who look different,
Who think peculiar thoughts,
Who believe in other gods;

Contrasting individuals lost in their own bedevilments,
Struggling with their own divergence,
Hoping no one thinks of them with hesitancy;

I’ve watched grown men sortie with their own soul,
Questioning their motives as if they were being interrogated
For crimes against humanity;
Offenses like bigotry, xenophobia and narrowmindedness;

I’ve wondered whether the world would be different
If the Soviets made it to the moon first.