Mama once said, "hate's a strong word."

I didn't care about what I'd just heard.

But now that I'm older, see life in new eyes,

That phrase comes back bolder, and now I realize... 

We're so obsessed with hate and it's fashion,

We get so caught up in its heat and its passion.

Hate this, hate that, hate you, hate me.

The list goes on, yet no one says sorry. 

And here's the thing! Hate holds a grudge!

You try to let go, but the thing won't budge!

Like a tick on a dog, and a curse from a witch,

The hate just stays there and won't move and inch. 

I find my way to remedy hate

Is to realize what the hate can make.

The evil lies and somber nights,

All the things from hate, that blight. 

We hate so easy, too easy, I say.

We have to try to keep hate away.

Not just for us, but for those we inspire.

To light a torch, not a pyre.