The sad side of town

172.

I don't know what to do anymore.

I leave rooms when the news is on,

I change the subject when the words are too heavy;

I try my best not to flinch in front of strangers.

It's terrifying.

I was born believing the best in people

and now I'm finding out

that's not always true.

These days hate is not a stranger;

its your neighbor,

the congressman,

the woman who hit her child.

Hate has a name and a face,

and I never wanted to meet it.