Bold Appeals

There are many things about cricket that I like - among them are the spectacular catches, the sensational sixes, the effervescent expressions of  cricketers and spectators when a wicket falls - but nothing intrigues me more than a cricketer making an appeal. Invariably, the appeal is made by the bowler or wicket keeper so loudly and so boldly that, slim though the evidence may be, for the few moments that follow, players, spectators, viewers and listeners are caught in a theatrical pause. Once the cricketer believes he has gotten his opponent out, he stays firm until the third eye confirms his position or proves him wrong. Even then, sometimes, his body language suggests that he is relenting for the sake of the game and his team, but he still stands by his appeal. The attitude of a cricketer making an appeal is, in my opinion, worth emulating.

My actions are governed by the principle of living peaceably with all men which means that I would never knowingly create strife or a situation from which a war, verbal or otherwise, ensues. Conflict, though, is inevitable in life and, in the deepest recesses of my heart, I believe it is honourable to stand up for what we believe to be true and what we know to be right. I think once we take a stand we should continue fighting until the matter we are standing for is resolved. When injustice is done, we should make strident appeals like a passionate cricketer.

Sometimes, (and this is not a contradiction of my position) as we strategise in a combative situation, it is necessary to concede a fight in the interest of a higher purpose or a more significant victory. This is not only honourable, but wise. It is especially so if we are persuaded that what we held to be true constitutes an error. After all, to err is human. Too often, we hold on tenaciously to a position because we refuse to listen to reason or we just want to 'save face'. This, to my mind, is cowardly and utterly foolish.

Integral to my position - when you are right, stand your ground or make a bold appeal for  justice - is the importance of listening. Listening and, in fact, thinking are crucial elements in the process of getting conflicts resolved. Standing up for right implies that we are standing up to someone or a group; making an appeal requires an audience. To achieve our purpose, we utilise writing and/or speech but it is futile to write if no-one reads; pointless to speak if no one listens. We all have a right not just to be heard, but to be listened to. But listening is just a portion of our obligation.What good is listening if we refuse to think about what we are listening to?

Regardless of the issue or situation, be it socioeconomic or political, national or international, we will always find ourselves in a stalemate having squandered immeasurable resources of time and energy, if we hesitate or refuse to listen to each other. So, my final words in this post are "appeal boldly and listen keenly".

One of my poems deals with the subject of this post:

When you are right
Stand your ground.
With shoulders back and a fixed gaze
Stick to the fight.

Though you lack might
Defend your truth.
Be firm, be bold, be sincere.
Win or lose, stick to the fight.

Don't put false limits
To your swing.
When a maelstrom hits
'Tis a magical thing.

Your tattered gloves
Will fit brave youth
daring to shove
dirt for the truth.
            Desryn Jones-Collins