It breaks the poet’s own heart to find some of the worst offenders in this regard among those agitating for broader diversity, greater tolerance, and deeper understanding between people.

*****

Recorded Reading (2:35): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/35o6iyrwmp2ml003pgfle/Do-You-Let-Hatred-Simmer-in-Your-Heart.mp3?rlkey=amzaggmb2xpd1uio53b9nm3jc&dl=0

*****

Do You Let Hatred Simmer in Your Heart?

Are you careful of the word
Which is politically correct
So that its listeners upon
It has beneficent effect,

While all the identical while
And in spite of that
Wearing also inwardly
A not-so-lovely second hat?

While you publicly will praise
The activist, feminist, witch,
Are you murmuring secretly
‘What a godforsaken bitch?’

Are women independent who
Are uninterested in you,
Keep themselves themselves unto,
Labeled hopeless prudes by you?

Convinced superiority
Of all insight your own to be
Do you perceive the holders of
Others inferiorly?

Have you such good self never been
Forgetful or unkind
Or to somebody else’s
Sensitivities been blind

That you perceive all others
Prefer other than your choice
Of exp’iative activities
Not worth looking at twice?

If someone dresses diff’rently
Than most, do you that right defend
Yet in your private heart upon
Its risibility depend

For secretive amusement
Which you think hurts them not? —
They say in Mother Africa
That when you bump a pot

It’s then that what’s inside that pot
Will come spilling out —
Better to be honest as to
What you’re really all about

Then, to yourself and others,
At least it will be clear
That when upset, fatigued or
Absent minded they will hear

Word and phrase, insinuation
Statements left half-said
Which will reveal what, all this time,
Has been playing in your head

Makes reevaluation
Of all past inevitable;
Of trust you have created
It becomes the crucible

Nor see they fit of its conclusion
To make you aware —
Honestly to communicate
It’s clear you didn’t care

They subsequent betrayal,
Feeling righteous, then commence
Upon he sarcastic breached
Their most cherished inward defense

Convincing them acceptable,
And lovable, and just
Is what they were to you ~ and then
Betraying that sweet sacred trust

*****

This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

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