Sighting Through the Crosshairs

Our Constitution, page-by-page, provides a guide from age-to-age. As citizens our views consist of strict or loose constructionists. Yet, we should keep - we can agree - a free, but just, society Though Freedom isn't strictly free, we still must act responsibly. Too many guns, too many rounds, with costly consequence profound - What can prevent deadly events if guns thrive through ambivalence? Gun makers crafted, cold steel wares, plus advocates myopic cares, Perform a scene where Death survives - playing roulette with others' lives. Our need for guns has changed indeed. Once, Minutemen were called to heed When smooth-bore weapons gave support - their load, a single shot retort. Now guns of notoriety comprise a fearsome armory. We need to think this through today - the place for guns - without dalay! Yes, owning guns we all agree is caught up in our history, But changing times require a stand - assault-style weapons should be banned. For all transactions background vets with "red flag" laws as safety nets. Place age to buy at twenty-one - require permits for every gun. Still, gun proliferation breeds alarming harm caused from misdeeds That time and comfort fail to heal from senseless acts with which we deal: By felons and delinquent "preps" - comitting crimes, enhancing "reps;" By hotheads whose emotions rule and act before their passions cool; By copycats and malcontents, the self-deluded deviants; By "chosen ones" with "inspired" views - their way to serve, nothing to lose; By bullied victims - seldom heard - responding to abuse endured; By stressed, unstable persons whose judgment remains at best confused; By some brainwashed indoctrinees of unfounded conspiracies; By militarists mustered out - not "reprogrammed" - who live with doubts. Such septic lives, groomed to persist, find guns too handy to resist. Their acts results are plain to see - a self-fulfilling prophecy. But "criminals will obtain guns" - as counter arguments are spun - Then crimes involving guns deserve enhanced court sentences to serve, While public safety officers - whose mission sworn "Protect and Serve" - Tread quagmires of our social ills that test the limits of their skills. When gun involvement sums up cost, what is "fair price" for those lives lost? While desolation stalks the hearts of those whose lives are torn apart. What logic set us on this course? What reason squanders such resource? What can we say in our defense? We don't learn from experience.