The other is a philosophical construct that has been co-opted by both sociology and psychology. "The other" is a representation of the line that we construct between ourselves and other people. "Looking into the eyes of the other" is an experience in reconizing the difference between ourselves and others - including our context, experiences, and moral structure - but still appreciating the value that these differences contribute to society and to our own interactions.

We scream silently aching
reaching out.
Alone in the vast sea
we seek another
to be with us
who knows us
"be with me"

Wanting to pull close
and fearing the fall
we hang on the edge
call to the other.
hearing,
sometimes we plummet over, down
hitting the ground hurting ourselves
Again, (and i'm just so tired of waking up all alone)
fearing trembling inching forward
we meet and for a time
comfort the other.


(mar9/01)