HATRED

HATRED

In Memory of Matthew Shepard

Coursing with power from evil hearts,
Causing sorrow, pain, torture, even death.
Its ugliness, the worst of humankind,
Rushing with destruction, crushing life
From those who love differently.
Hatred.

They boldly say, "God is ours.
He filled us with His love."
Will He turn from them
When they judge, with hate,
His creations, now called "gay."
Hatred cancels love.

For humankind to love,
For deaths to stop,
For Christianity to survive,
Gay sons and daughters must live,
Hatred must vanish.
Love must win.
God is Love.

Ann Patterson writes poetry from her heart and life experiences.  She grew up in Oklahoma before moving to the Northwest. "Hatred" was written in memory of Matthew Shepard, who was beaten to death and hung on a wooden fence because he was gay.  She wants people to remember that gay boys, girls, men and women are sons, daughters, friends and children of God who love differently.