Why Do You Hate Me?

Why do you hate me?

We've never even met.

You want to see me dead, although

You haven't seen me yet.

How did I hurt you

Or cause you any shame?

Could it be the shade of my skin

Or something in my name?

Were you taught to hate?

Did it come from a book?

Don't let others do your thinking -

Open your eyes and look.

Take your blind hatred,

Stick it high on a shelf.

Be an intelligent man, now

And reason for yourself.

So hate what I say

Or perhaps what I do.

There's no need for hating ME, and yet

The choice is up to you.