Word Change

I wrote a poem earlier this morning

as I do most days. Usually, if a thought

hits me after I read some, the words

usually come.

That marvelous formula of mine applied

today. And it took about an hour for me

to say what I had a mind to say.

It was a decent piece if I do say so, about

a page and a half double spaced.

Later this afternoon one word from my

morning poem suddenly came to me.

This sometimes happens within a few

moments after I finish my work, but

today without provocation I was struck

with that one word, hate.

A strong word indeed, a displeasing

word to me, one which has practical

use describing feelings for migraines

and toothaches and appendicitis.

So, I changed the word to anger, which

was appropriate in its place. Anger is a

much more acceptable emotion for most

folks.

Many people think of hate associated

with murder, war or some other deed

or heinous crime.

You won’t get the electric chair or go to

prison if you kill a migraine or toothache

with a pain pill.

You can be angry all you want, and often

times it is righteous and okay. Just don’t

pick up a gun, a knife or a baseball bat to

take out your frustration.

With anger you can curse, rant and rave

or scream into a pillow. Anger is a more

sensible emotion anyway. Hate in itself

is, well suffice it to say, just plain hateful.

                         -30-

Chris Hanch 7-25-2020