I hate Hate

bruised black and blue
from a punch in the eye
coloured in the shape of a 'U"
brilliant rainbow hues

a sad tired man's punching bag
the child who looked at him
sadly with understanding in her eyes
he wanted to wipe the sad smile off

blood gushing down her nose
splattering on green banana leaves
creating patterns oddly beautiful
she wanted to show it to her art teacher

holding hands with her best friend
telling how many times she felt
his foot on her tiny body
the day he got  blind drunk

they shed tears together silently
vowing to one day leave
and love someone whose fists
won't be raised in love or hate

the child grew up and left
she forgave those who hated
embraced those who loved
one day she couldn't find hate

the memories of those long ago beating
is so faded now I hardly remember them
although at that time a week respite
from beating was such a wonderful thing

I have forgiven my father
for without him I would not be me
I respect and am grateful to him
as he fed and clothed me
until I could do it on my own.

*this poem was entered in a competition here. thank you for reading*