I never stoop to hatred

©Cameron Altaras

I never stoop to hatred
Even when it aims its
Fists of vitriol
At me

I do not lower myself to hatred’s
Standards by degrading another or
Dragging their name
Through mud

I do not let hatred sway me
To pick up dirt about another
Store it in my pocket for
That perfect moment when I could
Humiliate them

I do not feed hatred
With words that would
Divide me from another or
Disgust me with
Their existence

I have faith in the
Redeeming qualities of
All of God’s creations
Even when they themselves
Have forgotten

Their own goodness.