'Hate' is a four-letter word

I’m cozy in my chair near the window,

To indulge in a pleasurable ritual,

As the sky awakens from its slumber

Reminding me to greet the day.

My husband peruses the morning paper,

Ensconced in his favorite chair.

I read the glaring headlines,

“Obama signs hate crimes bill.”

The four-letter word, ‘hate,’ emblazoned in red.

I succumb to tears from remorse and sadness

To recall people tormented through ignorance;

Crucified souls that demand retribution.

Others have paid a bigger price for the cause.

Harvey Milk proclaimed his humanity.

Matthew Shepherd dies in infamy.

Uncle Henry reclaims lost dig...