Sam:
(pausing after reading the poem, then looking at his friends) Perhaps Father O'Sullivan is right: we are heading towards some tough times.
Kris:
(crossing her arms restlessly, restraining herself from boredom) I grant that. However, pessimism is not helpful, Sam. If all we do is dwell on darkness, we actually deepen it. Unwavering pessimism only deepens gloom. We need a path out of our malaise, and the courage to do what is right.
Terri:
(gazing at her friends, briefly noticing the swirls in her teacup) It seems to me that a duality is required here. With one eye it is good, even vital, to critically question everything—questioning every polished promise and fabricated truth. But with our other eye, however, we must momentarily suspend corrosive doubt. We need to accept and explore the terrifying, breathtaking beauty of new possibilities. Only when both eyes are used simultaneously—the critical and the hopeful—can we begin to see more deeply. Life's inherent ambiguities require 3D or 4D vision.