DEAR HATE,

There is no one I wish to be rid of more than you. I have never been your friend—I have never even liked you. I’m not sure why you exist in the world. Perhaps you are here just to be the balance for love. If that is so then I suppose it is worth it to have you around. For love is something I need.

I haven’t had much use for you. Although you have served me quickly and been gone, the few times in my life when I’ve witnessed you acting behind the face of a human being. There was a time when I used you—when I saw you in the face of a man who was hurting the girl I was with. I summoned you up to use your strength to try to kill that man. You helped me lash out at his face and I felt your power as I let you rule me for an instant. It was scary to feel the power you had and how you acted out your drama through my rage. It was exhilarating and a high.

But I have no need for you now. I have learned to live without you.