Untitled Poem #15

Laughter stopped.

Childish giggles replaced with whimpered fear.

Calls for help.

Pleading for rescue.

While he did pace.

What were they waiting for?

Black hellish pain

no amount of prayers

no amount of condolences will erase

keening wails

hearts shredded

no way to be repaired

voices still rise

no no we won’t let go

it is our right to carry.

No one is saying take their guns.

No one is denying there are responsible ones.

But…..

What about safety checks?

Background checks?

Taking a gun safety course?

All things easily done.

Why do you need to purchase an assault rifle?

What animal needs shooting with that?

Man.

That animal.

My tears run unchecked

hands raised

feeling pain from afar

so strong

it knocks me to my knees.

Screams heard

felt

through trembling earth;

there is no coming back.

There is no just reward.

There is no way forward

when voices are raised

to protest any safe guards

instead of clamoring to ensure

this bullshit never happens again.

©May 28/22

Picture is my own