Hate is clever.

It slips through cracks with ease,

adding trouble,

subtracting trust,

multiplying across generations,

dividing people,

dividing groups,

dividing even the soul.

 

Love, by contrast, struggles with arithmetic 

It knows only how to add.

Add joy to the sad,

trust to the fragile,

meaning, kindness, intimacy,

To those in need.

It cannot subtract,

it does not divide.

Instead, it multiplies,

one small kindness

becomes a thousand smiles,

a single gesture

ripples into a tide of care.

 

Be careful, reader:

hate is cunning,

eager to deceive,

to destroy.

Turn from it.

Do not be tempted with reassuring lies.

 

Seek love.

Though simple,

it is a steady and reassuring light

a beacon that illuminates the path

toward the future

our children deserve.