Junior Towana Pierre read this poem at an interfaith vigil to stop hate violence at
Audobon Park on Sunday, November 14, 1999.
HATE
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The silence that follows The scream of a woman in pain. The woman who, hearing The scream, turns over To go back to sleep. The couple that walks Past and hears the Cries and claims it's None of their business. The man whose finger Moves automatically To the volume button To drown out the Sound of thuds against The wall. The disregard of sun- Glasses worn inside, of Heavy clothes that hide Bruises. The averted eyes as We walk past the Chalk lines. Are we any less guilty Than the man with Bloodied hands who Stands and pleads His innocence? Hate is that silence, That couple, that man, That disregard, those Averted eyes. Hate is us accepting The loss of innocence Of love, of life. - Towana P. |
 Towana Pierre reads her poem hate at the Interfaith Vigil to Stop Hate Crimes. |
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