What Once Was Hate

(becomes more or less love) the title is a slightly revised Falsettos reference because my heart belongs to Falsettos and it always will

When I was 10,

My best friend had a new best friend.

And would not shut up about her.

"Yeah, she's really nice, she's an AMAZING artist, she's so cool,"
On and on and on,

And even though I had never met her,

I decided that I hated her more than I ever hated anyone.

Which led to embarrassingly bad drawings, silent grudges, and an uncomfortable first encounter,

Where I realized my friend was right, and also realized I wanted to be her friend, too.

And now, she's one of my oldest, best friends.

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My 7th grade math partner was really, really good at math,

And I was really, really not good at math.

He was not only competent, but he was nice, too.

Which is obviously just a coverup for his disbelief at how stupid I am, 

I thought, and decided (again) that I was going to hate him.

Every inquiry he made was met with a blunt response,

I stuck to my notebook and rarely gave answers (in case I was wrong),

And was fairly consistent in that practice, until one fateful day.

(dun dun duuuunnnnn)

"Invent your own word problem based on cows."

And some mathematical theory, but I don't remember which it was.

I asked my math partner if he had any ideas,

And he answered in a way I was really, really not expecting.

He weaved a dramatic, elaborate story about the death of several cows,

Waving his hands and employing unnecessary accents, 

Even going so far as to pen a parody lamenting those poor cows,

Which he then proceeded to sing very loudly.

I hadn't ever seen him that relaxed before.

And all the pent-up hatred disappeared in that instant,

Replaced with something new.

And now, that cow-lamenting math partner I used to despise more than words can say

Is my boyfriend of a little over seven months.

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So if you hate someone and don't know why,

(Unless they're just flat-out mean to you)

Just wait. Give them a second look.

I can pretty much guarantee they're not entirely the person you thought they were.

Author's Note

Past experiences mixed with philosophies that I'm not good at verbalizing! That seems review-worthy, doesn't it? (hahahah probably not)

Reviews

[Onlyme]

For a 14 yr old person, you have a wonderful insightful smart mind. That is articulate and aware of everything around you. Wonderful poem. More power to you.

[Bell Spalding]

Thank you ever so much for your kindness, Dee!

[Onlyme]

No just being honest with you. Look forward to reading more from you real soon. hug.