a man with a gun
creates a world of trauma
a man with a gun locks down a family homeless shelter,
evacuates an apartment building before the residents can get their clothes on,
causes children to hide underneath their desks at school
a man with a gun makes
going to a movie theatre
buying food at the grocery store
and working at a spa
seem like entering a battlefield
everything is a risk
because men with guns
feel powerful
their inadequacy runs so deep
they must take the lives of others
to feel an ounce of strength
meanwhile we let our children
become saturated in a world of virtual murder
we treat our wars like holy mandates
we numb ourselves from feeling the pain of our neighbors
we make light of tragedy in an effort to just get to the next day
they say that “law-abiding citizens” are worthy of
carrying, we hope that they will protect us
when the time comes
I have no answers but I do have questions
It seems we are destined to live in a world
where trust is elusive
and if we were to find it
It would be taken advantage of
It seems that even the systems that
are set-up to protect us
are out to get us
because behind the closed doors of church buildings
there is a man lurking
and at the precinct
there is someone abusing
For wherever there is power in the hands
of humanity there is corruption
and if it’s not intentional,
It’s in the form of half-assing;
someone’s lack of empathy leading
To another’s demise
It’s a strange thing to believe in
The divinity of human kind
while simultaneously losing hope
and letting go of every certainty
maybe this is just my grief speaking,
or maybe this is my declaration
to say that I still believe we need saving
but the saving must be a comprehensive effort
not entirely our own
not entirely the job of a far off God
maybe we could meet in the middle?
maybe it looks like laying down our weapons
and carrying each other’s burdens
an inhale of introspection
how can I love better?
my words must not be bent to claim
that this is the fault of one soul
or the fate of our whole world,
but can there be a balance between
pointing our fingers and taking responsibility?
when everything seems out of hand
where should I pick up and start again?
Accepting This 