I react
To the tone of our voice
To the words that you choose
To the look on your face
And, of course, to bad news
I respond
To your loving embrace
To the gift of love you bring
To the smile on your lips
Makes my heart and soul sing

My reactions are simply perceptions
My responses are from my heart
Reactions are often falsely based
But responses are truly instinct
To love and give is my response
To despair is my usual reaction

I wonder if you understand
What I am trying to say?
Can you see the difference?
Responding makes me feel good
Reacting drives me further away
Deeper into confusions
Fears and doubts gone astray

Yet the reaction is mine not yours
So often misconceived and so wrong
I own my reactions as I do response
If only I didn’t react – just once
Reactions tell you about my deepest fears
Responses about my true inner self
My reactions show I am surely flawed
My responses reflect the inner divinity

Reactions darken that inner light
Like the flicker of a shadow
I lose my perception of sight
In that momentary darkness
Responses cause a blaze of fire
The fire that is my soul
Springs to life and action
Heightens my attraction