It’s been tormenting us ever since it told
poor Cain to pound a stone again
and again on his brother’s head.

For centuries now it’s been
causing blood to flow, bodies to tumble
into ditches, whole cities to fall.

See how it licks its lips when
it sniffs the aroma of decaying love,
turning brothers, sisters,
even former sweethearts into foes.

Year after year, around the world
Hatred jumps up on Fear’s shoulders
calling mobs into the streets.

When has Reason drawn zealous fans
to a fight? Have you ever seen Doubt
bring a cheering crowd to its feet?

Again and again, Hatred wins
by kicking the legs out from under
Brotherhood and throwing Justice
out the window!

At lunch today I asked my friend,
“What chance do we have against
a thing like that?”

She looked up from her bowl
and said, “Eat. Your soup’s getting cold.”