The Hatred

the hatred felt
by those of a certain ilk
is understandable
if you step back
and think of a world
where everything was promised
to all of a certain ilk
and some had it delivered
while others kept chasing it
but all believed in it

the hatred felt
by those of a certain ilk
is understandable
when you step back and see
that what they were promised
were stolen goods
and they never knew that or
chose to ignore it
so when those who were robbed
finally got a chance to point out
what was taken
it is understandable that those
in unlawful possession
might be pissed

the hatred felt
by those of a certain ilk
is understandable
if you step back
and see how that anger
is misdirected by the original thieves
away from themselves
and toward those now demanding
some consideration for their losses

those of a certain ilk
hate for a cause
written on gauze
a bandage over the thin skin
of deep wounds
whose source they will not imagine
because of the horror
they will be forced to own
if they do

the hatred felt
by those of a certain ilk
is understandable
even pitiable
forgivable to a nearby point
but not excusable
when it is maintained
by willful ignorance
and a stubborn love
of apparently useful
myth

if you want to hate
the haters
be sure of them
before you begin
for if you see only
the front
you will miss
those of a certain ilk
standing behind them
smiling at you
all knowing
and certain of the power
that derives
from hate