What It Takes

The parrot never speaks a word,
But just repeats the sounds it’s heard.
The truth about what we call speech
To parrots we could never teach.

Seldom do we ever mention
Total lack of comprehension.
Yet I say, if truth be told,
To understand is rare as gold.

The reason folks don’t get along
Is something deep inside is wrong.
Something’s missing I would guess.
Like the parrots more or less.

What is needed is not there,
That’s why some just do not care.
Loving calls for something more
Than most of us have got in store.

I only know we must begin
To find what’s missing deep within.
Alas the heart that never breaks
Will never know just what it takes.

John H. Bidwell