THE HAMMER AND THE PIN
There is a Gambian saying: “If a donkey kicks you and you kick him back, you are both donkeys.” Whenever I get provoked by others and get into heated arguments with them, and, consequently, when I emerge bruised and wounded… I really reflect on my behavior and ask: Was it necessary for me to get into such a heated argument? Could I have taken some other route to handle the situation? Should each provocation be met with a tit-for-tat? Why am I left so disturbed after the argument, now? Had I chosen to remain poised, chosen my words and action wisely… wouldn’t I have been peaceful? Yes, I, invariably, go through this sequence of questions after a verbal duel with someone… I wish I hadn’t kicked back the donkey even though he had... I wish I had left him alone! “Why did I become a donkey?”… I cry out, let down by my own unmindful, impulsive behavior. To get even with another... This seems like a deep human thirst! I succumb to it, ...