The Great Debate
I’ve seen it far too often … heard it way too many times …
Where words become a weapon, and I wonder, “Where’s the line”?
Discussion turns into debate – debate to argument;
All parties rest their laurels on the points they circumvent.
We often think a good discussion need not to offend,
And though it’s true, by explanation, “Webster” does contend …
“Discussion” by it’s definition, “argues” or “debates”,
Through “ventilation of a question” … do we seal our fate?
For what describes a good “debate” within the “Webster” world?
“To argue or discuss a point”, as dialogue unfurls;
To “mediate upon” it notes, “deliberate”, “discuss”,
“Contend in words or argument” … it’s quite ambiguous.
Now “argument”, well that’s another kettle of a sort,
“Convince the mind” with “views of proof”, “advanced in clear support”;
That reasons well, until it states “discussion” (how innate),
It notes that it’s a “controversy” worthy of “debate”.
So if by definition, even “Webster” overlaps,
Perhaps it is no wonder that so many talks collapse;
For though we seek to justify the words that we expel,
In civil confrontation, all begin by meaning well …
Yet in the blend of “back and forth”, our humanness seeps through,
No matter what the point at start, it’s often led askew;
Now enters “altercation”, though it’s labeled a “dispute”,
It’s fraught with “warm contention” touched with “anger” … purpose mute.
Now what of said “contention”? It’s a “contest” or “debate” …
Although we’ve come full circle now, we’ve sealed our very fate;
What started with a good intent, exploring different views,
Unravels to a “contest” as a war of words ensues.
The next time that your voice is raised, defending points of view,
Amidst a mere “discussion” … grab the “Websters” for review …
And if you find you’ve journeyed to a “contest” verbally,
It’s time to simply walk away … agree to disagree.