Notes About The Poem

May 17, 2025, entered in Michael Fulkerson's The Cruelty of Hate and the Consequences of Hate poetry contest

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Be Honest

If I proclaim to love the Lord
but hate my fellowman,
the Bible says I'm lying. Love,
not hate, is in His plan.

Bad attitudes towards others
if they're fueled day and night,
soon morph into destructive hate,
a vitriolic blight.

Though love can be so powerful,
hate can be just as strong.
We don't like to admit sometimes   
our feelings are so wrong.

We choose to sugarcoat the truth
when hate is in our hearts. 
We cling to euphemisms 
while we throw our poison darts.

Sometimes we're hypocritical,       
refusing to confess
to sins like hate; yet we still think
the Lord will surely bless!

Those motivated by ill will
will never know true peace.
They'll moan throughout a friendless life
and find no sweet release.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
January 30, 2018 at 10:31 PM
You have epitomized speaking truth. The meter and rhyme are spot on. Very enjoyable read, even if it calls us individually on the carpet to be better human beings. Actually, that's the best part of this poem. :)
Canerdy Avatar
January 30, 2018 at 10:36 PM
Thank you so much, Robert! Janice
Hagy Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 7:21 PM
This is a great write Janice...hits home for me. Thanks for reminding me to be nice...even when I don't want to be :)
Canerdy Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 9:48 PM
Thanks so much, Chris! I have to remind myself too! Janice
One Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 4:05 PM
This is really good Janice, always important to practice what you preach, otherwise one is guilty of being a hypocrite...
Canerdy Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 5:04 PM
Absolutely, S.O. The first step to dealing with bad feelings is admitting you have them! Janice
Pandit Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 2:20 PM
Beautiful words of inspiration and wisdom..well written, Janice..best for a win.
Canerdy Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 3:31 PM
Thanks so much, Vijay! Janice
Pigeon Tart Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 2:00 PM
Well writ truth! My best to you in the contest! xomo :)
Canerdy Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 3:32 PM
Thank you so much, Maureen! Janice
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