Hate (An Antonymized Poem)

Today’s NaPoWriMo.net prompt was to write disliking something it. Today’s VerseLove prompt was to write a poem using antonyms from the line of another poem. I tried to blend the two prompts. I was going to choose one line and evoke a poem from that, but decided, instead, to antonymize the entire poem “Lovesong for Lucinda” by Langston Hughes.

Hate
Is a rotting stone
Shriveling in a citrine field.
Spit it out
And the curse of its repulsion 
Will choke and ensnare you.
Hate
Is a Black Hole
Obscuring light from the depths.
Ignore too long
And its icy spears
Will never heal your heart.
Hate
Is the nethermost of the ocean
Lurking in a motionless abyss.
If you
Will always exhale your mind
Do not fall too low. 

You’re Welcome Here on Our Block

(Reply to “Try That in a Small Town”)

Got a flat tire on the way to work;

Daughter’s mental health took a turn for worse;

Check’s coming next week, but there’s kids to feed.

You think you’re doomed, but your neighbor comes through.

We’ve got your back, come eat with us.

We will check in when times get rough.

We don’t have it all, but we have enough.

Well, you’re welcome here on our block.

See how much we care about y’all.

Around here, we take care of you.

You have a need, it won’t take long

For you to find out how much you matter!

You’re welcome here on our block.

Got a key that my neighbor gave me,

They say I am welcome any time.

Well, that’s what good folks looks like—good friends.

You’re welcome here on our block.

Love is up and down the road.

Around here, we take care of you.

You have a need, it won’t take long

For you to find out how much you matter!

You’re welcome here on our block,

Good neighbors up and down the place.

If you’re looking for some grace

You’re welcome here on our block.

You’re welcome here on our block.

You’re welcome here on our block.

See how much we care about y’all.

Around here, we take care of needs,

So come on, we want you to feel welcome.

For you to find out how much you matter!

You’re welcome here on our block.

You’re welcome here on our block.

Ooh-ooh

You’re welcome here on our block.