Yes there is social and religious hatred spreading
like an incurable cancer across this world
We the ordinary people, the masses have no
control over that

That same cancer is now infesting the pages
of this great site and yes I was part of the disease
But I have turned the page and the abuse I hurled
at one person has I hope turned more
towards kinder words

Will that make a difference? I'm not sure
but I can only try
We have a comments section so we can post
our views on the poetry we read
That if you like is democracy

We all know that there are world class writers
posting here
Just as there are some who perhaps will never
be able to attain those high standards

Is it then not true to say the good should encourage
the less good?
Note I did not say bad simply because there
Is no bad here

Most people recognize their weaknesses no matter
what walk of life they come from
But on this site they are the people of courage
because against the odds they are prepared
to put their work to be judged by their peers

What then is the answer to the question, the problems
that we're seeing here on a daily basis?
A better understanding, more humility?
Yes but that is purely my point of view

I liken the better writers here to college professors
others as high school teachers
So teach, don't let the hatred show through
your students need educating not humiliation

Can things change
I hope so given time

Once the depression becomes routine,
Happiness never really feels comfortable again.
It comes around
now and then,
like an old friend.
You laugh and drink
and reminisce about all the plans you had that never panned out.
All the hope you invested,
in the jobs, the relationships, the dreams and goals.
And you laugh at how foolish you once were for ever having such ideas.
But the laughter dies out
And your smile fades
And you know in the back of your mind
that soon, your happiness will be gone again,
and you can never quite forgive it for leaving.
You cant blame it,
All you ever did was hold it back.
Maybe somebody else could make better use of it.
And the depression,
Well the depression is no Stranger.

Oh but how could you
cut me down the way you do
and say you love me

And then the leaves changed
and everything was lost
in hues, red and gold