Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers March Slice a Day Challenge! I’m slicing every day this month. Thanks for stopping by.
I don't believe in hate
she said hate is like this coffee cup
you keep staring at the coffee cup
saying "wow that's some terrible shit."
just put the coffee cup away
and since I don't believe in hate
that should be easy
she said to push away hate
with nuggets of gold
fill yourself with nuggets of joy that feel light and joyful
and there won't be any room for hate
and since I have a video series all about joy
that should be easy
I'm just wondering if maybe
I might be allowed to
smash the coffee cup
to
the
ground first
watch it
break into a million pieces
before I vacuum it away and look for those nuggets
Your poem is an excellent expression of human emotion at this horrid emotional state, being consumed by hate – when you are raging hurt, angry, horrified.
“she said to push away hate
with nuggets of gold”
It is extraordinarily difficult to push away raw hate in this pollyanna way, I find. I can totally understand why you want to smash the cup! Perhaps, a good long sweaty workout, followed by writing – a poem like this!
There is so much I love about this poem. It’s one thing to tell someone they need to clear hatred from their mind, their heart. But where do those emotions go? What happens to that anger we are still left holding? You pack so much subtlety into these lines – your view of the “just be happy with the nuggets of joy,” the knowing that hate isn’t great to hold on to, yet STILL knowing how important and powerful it is to acknowledge and fully feel what it brings us. SO very well done.
Everyone has a story we don’t know about and I love the way you’re letting the reader into yours. This is incredibly powerful and beautiful, Ona. I will always view you as joyful but I’m grateful for your vulnerability here.
On a Thought 
Smash it to smithereens! A necessary step, I think, to clear your heart and mind, opening up for love and joy. Something I’m working on…
There’s something about this that will stick with me….I am wondering about the voices and the untold story.
Your poem is an excellent expression of human emotion at this horrid emotional state, being consumed by hate – when you are raging hurt, angry, horrified.
“she said to push away hate
with nuggets of gold”
It is extraordinarily difficult to push away raw hate in this pollyanna way, I find. I can totally understand why you want to smash the cup! Perhaps, a good long sweaty workout, followed by writing – a poem like this!
Smash the cup, then vacuum it up, and look for & surround yourself with those nuggets. Love you, friend!
There is so much I love about this poem. It’s one thing to tell someone they need to clear hatred from their mind, their heart. But where do those emotions go? What happens to that anger we are still left holding? You pack so much subtlety into these lines – your view of the “just be happy with the nuggets of joy,” the knowing that hate isn’t great to hold on to, yet STILL knowing how important and powerful it is to acknowledge and fully feel what it brings us. SO very well done.
Everyone has a story we don’t know about and I love the way you’re letting the reader into yours. This is incredibly powerful and beautiful, Ona. I will always view you as joyful but I’m grateful for your vulnerability here.
Smashing the cup sounds like a fine idea.
poem, story, parable…. loved smashing the cup image and all the more glad to be taking a poetry day today. OK so it’s actually a more poetry day.
You are allowed to do whatever your heart needs. We all are. Who made us think otherwise?!
Yes – a definite smash. Thanks for this. Looking forward to finding the nuggets.