Hatred, What to Do?

When you see hatred gather it up

And stuff it in the bottom of a paper bag.

You may need to tape the bag shut,

You may need to wear gloves.

Then hike out on your favorite trail

And stop at that beautiful place,

Maybe one overlooking a valley

Perhaps by a stream or a giant boulder.

You can do this alone, but

If it is your first time bring a trusted friend.

Sit quietly for a few minutes

Breathe in the peace and beauty,

Then carefully open the bag

And shred the hatred you have gathered

Into tiny-tiny pieces.

Try not to hate the hatred,

Just break it down, smaller and smaller

Look to see what it is made of,

Perhaps you will have a lucid moment.

At the right moment, 

gather the pieces and offer them to the wind

Cast them high, cast them away.

A good breeze will dilute them

As you salute them with a goodbye smile.

Sometimes a Chickadee will stop and help.

They know what to do with hatred

They are not afraid.

After you are done you may want to sing

A song or splash in a nearby stream.

Think:

How else can you send hatred to a better place?

Does it burn?  Can you compost it?  

Can the ocean wash it clean?

Ask the Chickadee, she may know.