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I am a square of cracked tile on a storied mosaic in Italy. You are as well, but maybe one of another color or shape. From our polished broken surfaces carrying the scars and dirt of living, we live amongst much diversity. Captivating, extraordinary diversity surrounds us, each a brilliant tile decorating the wall.
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Even as I am affixed to this wall, I have expanded my world by taking notice, by reading those that live in this world on the wall. I have studied. You and I both have reaped benefits in multitude as we have aged and lost some of our gloss.
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We see people are more the same than they are different. This place we inhabit, with such varied peoples, is yet still a habitat where sociology trumps the differences brought by our personal psychologies.
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Being watchers of people, whether fans of them as occasional spectators or as engaged partners, we are each like these tiles, some cracked and worn, all with faults, seen or unseen. We learn from each tile of the mosaic. We become aware of different mores, taboos, habits, beliefs on many subjects, and religions. This education does not simply bring us just tolerance, but acceptance. Beyond, we learn to be compassionate. Further still, the goal is an all encompassing embrace.
All differences encountered form a piece of art, a gorgeous, life affirming, eclectic, colossal mosaic. This art I want to continue studying.
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I really do not want to believe some do not see there exists beauty in each different piece of clay or glass shard, though I know this to be true. That some cannot see that all are equally important to the whole, and we are equal beings regardless of religion, race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic station leaves me frustrated and disheartened.
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With my time here I desire to feature the beauty of sameness as I explore and highlight the beauty of differences. As are the tiles of a mosaic, all are equally vibrant.
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mary jane goodman
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I find moments of clarity, not when the chairs are straight, pushed under the table squarely, but when they are askew and their occupants have left them in a time excited, involved in conversation, or when one seated moves to join children and the jumbled toys on the floor.
~ mary jane goodman
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Mary Jane's Shoes 