I know people who live with anger, hate, and bitterness so entrenched in their mind and heart they cannot see good in anything. Their life is one of misery, devoid of joy and peace. It pains me to see them so, because I know what it’s like; I’ve been there. But there’s nothing I can do for them; one has to cast off his own demons. It’s a personal thing.
I Should
I should be angry at you
The things you said were hurtful
Obviously, it was your intent
Your frantic attempt to divert attention
Away from your own pain
Your bitterness at life
And its unfairness
I should feel sad for you 
Seeing you in such despair
Suffering the guilt and shame
Wondering if it will ever go away
Or will the darkness, the fear, remain
It’s up to you
Happiness is a choice
I should hate you for the lies
For trying to twist things around
Make it my fault; anyone’s fault but your own
But I have no time for hating
And besides
Even though you don’t want to believe it
I love you
Copyright © 2013 C Mashburn
I’ll be sharing this on dVerse Poets Pub’s Open Link Night #95 this afternoon. Right now, I got some “jammin” to do. (Apricot!)
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Sherry Mashburn said
POWERFUL!!!
charlesmashburn said
OKAY!
Björn Rudberg (brudberg) said
Happiness is a choice – I like that a lot Charles…
and then the end explaining .. explaining.. great piece
charlesmashburn said
I latched onto that “truth” several years ago.
Thanks, Bjorn!
ladynyo said
Oh, Charles, you have captured the essense of sanity and humane-ness here.
Very good.
Lady Nyo
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Lady! I haven’t seen you around for a while. Thanks for stopping by!
Rhonda L. Brockmeyer said
And…that sounds like life and relationships of all kinds 🙂
charlesmashburn said
Yes, we’ve all been in similar situations, I think.
Thanks for the comment!
Talon said
I couldn’t help thinking, while reading this, that we truly do hurt the ones we love the most.
charlesmashburn said
True, and unfortunately, that is exactly what inspired this one; a situation very close to me, that is very sad to watch.
brian miller said
ugh…its hard man…the loving them in spite of them trying to turn it back on you…i struggle with letting them go as well..not that i can change anyone…but its the broken ones that def call to me…and break my heart…
charlesmashburn said
So true, Brian. This was inspired by one who is very broken. So sad to watch them.
Raivenne said
‘Happiness is a choice”
“I have no time for hating”
“I love you”
Amen
charlesmashburn said
Yes’m. Thank you, Raivenne!
Truedessa said
Strong words about conflict and ownership of actions..but, in the end there is love..
charlesmashburn said
Sometimes it’s the hardest thing we do, but we must forgive and continue to love.
Thanks!
ayala said
So hard..we hurt the ones that we love…a powerful write.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Ayala!
aka_andrea said
strange how we tend to lash out when we are hurt, I’ve been guilty of that and always wish in hindsight I had taken the higher road.
charlesmashburn said
We’ve all been guilty of it. It’s human reaction to want to spread the pain around; misery loves company is not just a saying, it’s the truth. But I believe it’s okay to experience anger, and pain, and it’s even okay to react poorly. The thing is, we have to experience it, then let it go and move on. Forgive, forget–apologize if need be–then move on. One day, one step, at a time.
Mary said
Sometimes love is the best way! Can be very disarming to a mean – spirited person.
charlesmashburn said
I agree! Thanks, Mary!
johnallenrichter said
Stunning….. These are the exact words I have been searching for in order to share with someone in my own life, exactly dead on! But it’s true. Those who spread hatred are simply diverting themselves away from something missing in their own lives. And it is hard to feel sorry for them when they have or are attacking you with their venom…. This is a topic not often travelled by most poets, who seem to gravitate mnore toward the shiny things in life – like little polished marbles! Excellent topic and decisive wording….
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, John. I’m glad it can be a help to you.
As for traveling topics not often traveled, I tend to say what’s on my heart and mind.
I’m glad you enjoyed this!
Tony Maude said
Too often we hold on to what we should let go and fail to grasp what we so desperately need. Nice writing, Charles.
charlesmashburn said
Yes, we certainly do.
Thanks, Tony!
amberglowsofaslowburn said
Hello Charles,
Nice to meet you. I love how you finish this, love certainly is enduring- even when under fire.
charlesmashburn said
Pleased to meet you, as well! So glad you stopped by. Thank you, and don’t be a stranger!
Felipe Adan Lerma said
and the closer to us the harder 😉
really really liked the ending charles :
“But I have no time for hating
And besides
Even though you don’t want to believe it
I love you”
thank you 😉
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much, Adan!
pandamoniumcat said
Awesome poem Charles, hard hitting yet compassionate. There can be difficult days with the people we love… especially when they’re so angry and uptight. Have been there too. 🙂
charlesmashburn said
I used to be one of those people, but I don’t have time to be unhappy anymore.
Thanks, Dianne!