How not to hate the world (and everyone in it)

a timely poem about finding joy amidst chaos

Nov 04, 2024

How to not hate the world (and everyone in it)

by Danielle Langin

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

Ask yourself what is more beautiful 
than a mother talking about the gift of life. 
Wipe a tear from your husband's face. 
Or your father's. Your brother. Your uncle. 
I do not care who it is as long as 
you are aware of the intrinsic act 
of a quickening waterfall. 
See people for who they really are. 
One consciousness in 8 billion bodies. 
Have you not allowed yourself to laugh lately? 
Felt tickled by the sensations of 
your own breath in your own lungs. 
In their lungs, too. 
The same as your own. 
Stay informed, but not to your own detriment. 
And, also, know the limits of your detriment. 
There is importance in understanding 
when the knife you carry is sharp enough. 
Stop for people at crosswalks. 
Let them through leisurely. 
What is time anyway and who was it made for? 
Have you noticed the clouds? 
Find one now. Take note of what you see. 
Tell a stranger you like their smile. 
The way their mouth curves in the 
shape of a shared memory. 
Tell them they have a mouth you would kiss. 
Remember that even the people you care 
for most were once unknown to you. 
People watch in a park. At a grocery store. 
On a Tuesday at dinner when even the mundane 
is becoming sick of itself and begging 
for joy to join the table. 
Notice the way people love. 
The way people love. 
The way people love. 
This is not a test of your goodness. 
This is not a plea to shove your anger 
into places that may destroy you. 
It is a simple reminder: 
Human kind is not your enemy.

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