Embattled by Controversy

I thought that this would be good for someone who ever felt this way.

I'm embattled by controversy day and night. Everywhere I go, for whatever reason, I hear people yelling at one another, all around me. Usually, I'm at the right place at the wrong time. It happens to me a lot, even though I don't like it much. When this happens, I get nervous. I get all quivery inside, not knowing what they're going to do.

Obscene language spews from mouths around me, and I tighten up. When I do it, a wave of guilt washes over me. Part of me feels as if I betrayed myself. When I do copycat their behavior, I'm not proud of myself.

More youth have obscurantism, in my opinion. Obscurantism is a new word that I came across. It means opposition to knowledge and enlightenment. Grown-ups also go through this, in my opinion, to some extent. Spelling a word correctly matters to me. It doesn't seem to matter to most people. The words flow best when they're spelled correctly. This is when the best reading is done. Even though it frustrates me at times, I tend not to be too critical of misspelled words. My focus is on getting to the content of the story; I like to feel what the author is trying to convey or express.

It would be nice to have pleasant conversations, rather than controversial ones. What would it take to have less arguing among people? We need to get them back on the right path. Listening to someone else's point of view, rather than always wanting to be right, would be beneficial. A far more interesting world would unfold if we took the time to listen. Our pride could be humbled a little bit.

Take time to be at ease,
don't be in such a frightful state.
You might give it a try if you can.
To feel a gentle breeze would be
a wonderful sight, it will make the
future somewhat brighter; It will
make our spirits feel lighter.

For every dolphin in the
sea, your singing, I say, is meant
to be. I love how you jump in the
air; it's a refreshing experience;
It doesn't even compare to
anything I've ever seen.

It's not good when you're embattled by controversy. It gives me the shivers to think about it, especially when I don't know why this happens. Do they want to make a point in being heard? Do they believe that they're right, and everybody else is wrong? Why must they be so loud? They draw attention to themselves by being loud and obnoxious. No matter how foolish they may look, the louder they get.

Embattled by controversy is not a good thing. First, it makes me shudder; I don't know why they should be doing this kind of stuff. Is this because they make it a point to be heard? Is it because they think they're right, and everybody else is wrong? Why must they be so loud, loud enough to draw attention to themselves, no matter how foolish they may look?

{Thinking only of themselves,
they've got a reputation to uphold.
Times have passed, and times have
begun. We need to focus on our
striving; It's time for our revival.

We knew the truths once;
Let's cling to them; they will keep us
from feeling blue. We'll hold on to this:
What we know shows how much
We've grown.

We must teach the world to be
free by getting down on our knees.
Praying for those who do us harm;
keeps us safe and keeps us warm.

Silence those words that tear us apart;
Build us up, don't bring us down. Please reach
around us all, and keep everybody safe and
sound.

Embattled by controversy? Don't let it
rattle you. Be yourself, and don't get paddled.
Boost yourself up, and face the music. Use
your voice and acoustics.

Written By Anna Marie Carlson
Monday, March 2, 2020


Author's Note (Personal Reflection)

This piece emerged from a place of deep unrest - where perception clashed with truth, and silence felt safer than explanation. I don't write it to resolve the controversy, but to honor the ache of being misunderstood. Each line is a reclamation, a quiet stand for emotional integrity. If you feel unsettled reading it, that's okay. I did too, while writing it. But I believe discomfort can be a doorway to understanding.