Our country is reeling from systematic police violence against Black Americans. The recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of a police officer— who put a knee on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes— has ignited a fire of protest. This is a new version of a poem I wrote several years ago.
That hatred you have for everyone,
that global anger,
it doesn’t matter how justified you are,
or how wrong the other person is.
You can fume and cuss and scream,
complain and blame,
but it’s just going to eat you alive.
You can get upset with me
for speaking this way,
give me the cold stare,
and refuse to talk to me,
but it won’t change a thing.
Hatred kills.
©1998 Steven Barto
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Published by The Accidental Poet
I am a Christian in recovery following four decades of active addiction. I have a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Theological Studies from Colorado Christian University, and I will be pursuing an M.A. in Divinity at Denver Seminary in May 2021. My focus is on evangelism and apologetics, doctrinal studies, and working with individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. To me, there is no "higher power" than Jesus Christ, who broke the chain of addiction in my life. I will be seeking a position as a prison chaplain and/an associate or teaching pastor upon completing my MDiv. I am currently looking for a position at a drug and alcohol rehab, where I intend to work during the three-year master's program at Denver Seminary. I believe in the power in the Name of Jesus to break every chain. I believe counseling must include discipline, and discipling must include counseling.
View all posts by The Accidental Poet
