A Love Letter to My Haters

Writing a unique love letter for the first time.

Photo by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash

Have you ever thought about writing a love letter to someone that hates you?

That was the writing prompt posed today to me and the participants of the Sunrise Scribe weekly writing group hosted by my dear friend and soul sister Fisiwe Zwana held every Tuesday and Friday at 7:15 am.

I have contemplated writing many angry letters and a few poems to individuals who’ve shown me disrespect in the past, but not necessarily a love letter. Is that possible? Would my emotions get the best of me when completing this assignment?

I have always believed that if someone wants to achieve a goal, he or she can do so through commitment, diligence, patience, and perseverance. This writing prompt would be no different than any literary work I ever tried to pursue in the past. Inhaling and gathering my thoughts, I composed the following statement:

Dear Haters:

Words have tremendous power to uplift or destroy someone whenever they’re spoken. Yours have always fallen under the latter category throughout the years.

The negativity spewed from your lips have sometimes affected my self-esteem, having me question my talents and purpose: insidious comments reminding me of events from my past or your initial perception and/or interpretation you currently hold onto; unsolicited criticism regarding my creativity because of your jealousy and shortcomings regarding your passion; and verbal abuse and/or cruel jokes projected upon my soul because you lack peace within yours.

You all are living proof that there are a few rotten apples in this human race despite our culture differences; some skin folk ain’t kin folk; and not all my blood relatives are family.

Yes, your words can destroy me if I choose to entertain your remarks. I reserve the right to return the favor, but that’s not my style. You have always brought confirmation that I am just fine and walking on the correct path to attaining peace and happiness.

I may not have arrived at the destination I desire to reach, but I’m enjoying the journey without the need of your toxicity. I love me for the man I am today. I thank you for your limited presence…