I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.

-James Baldwin, Notes of a Native Son

Baldwin was telling about seeing his dying father in this passage, how he no longer hated his father, yet wanted to hold onto that feeling. It was easier, somehow.

You know that smoldering-fire feeling that comes with anger and hatred, the way it’s ready to leap back into flames with the smallest bit of added fuel?

What if we rake through those embers a bit?

When we see what’s really burning, I bet Baldwin’s right. I bet it does hurt.

I bet it takes our breath away.