Hate is a deep feeling. It can spring up in a person if they are neglected, mistreated, or abused for long periods of time. Hate can turn us against someone. It can cause us to deny them forgiveness. It shouldn't be allowed to well up in a heart without good reason, because it is almost impossible to erase. If you hate someone, or you simply hate their actions, remember that hatred doesn't heal hatred. Only love can do that. We can become better people by refusing to become the things we hate

My heart aches, Dad,
For the things you won't do.
My soul breaks, Dad,
For all that we've been through.

I fear it's too late, Dad,
To mend my broken heart.
I'm so full of hate, Dad,
I don't know where to start.

You took away my hope, Dad,
That I would ever be loved,
And now I'm left to cope, Dad,
As I watch you love your other kids.

I want to scream and yell, Dad,
But I fear my voice will crack.
I want so much to tell you, Dad,
That I can't always take you back.

Please listen to my words, Dad,
For they are all that I can say.
I want you to treat me like I'm yours, Dad,
And not just throw me away

These are your own words
your way of noticing
and saying plainly
of not turning away
from hurt

you have offered them
to me    I am only
giving them back

if only I could show you
how very useless
they are not

I want independence! From fear of my voice being drowned, against that single voice of 99 others! from those voices that tell me how I need to live their lives, instead of mine. From the discomfort of trying to fit into a pair of trousers that's not tailored for me, from all the compromises I have to make to put on a mask that looks exactly like everyone else's.

Alone and far removed from earthly care
The noble ruins of men lie buried here.
You were strong men, good men
Endowed with youth and much the will to live
I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead.
They rest; there is no more to give.
So long my comrades,
Sleep ye where you fell upon the field.
But tread softly please
March o’er my heart with ease
March on and on,
But to God alone we kneel."

In the stillness of early morning,
A silent call echoes in the heart of duty.
Footsteps tread softly on dewy paths,
A promise of sacrifice in every breath.
Memories of home and dreams deferred,
Whispered in winds that carry hope and sorrow.
The uniform hides a story of courage,
A quiet vow to protect the light of freedom.
Each heartbeat is a testament to bravery,
A journey that begins with a single, resolute step.
In the calm before the storm, the call remains,
Steady and unwavering, like a distant drum.