Chicago Fire of '68

I clocked out and headed for home before the darkness came. From the street bus I witnessed mayhem, and felt so strange. Like the actions of an angry people who refused to be tamed; it seemed hope within my fellow human beings began to drain. Aghast and confused at what I saw, my life would never be the same. Within a year, I was on those same streets trying to make a change. There were lots of anger and much pain. This time, there were no cows to take the blame. But few changes ever came, even after the flames. News traveled fast, and the nightmare quickly began. In Memphis, an American hero was shot dead. In Chicago, thousands quickly lost their heads. City after city across America were caught ablaze. Our freedom loving nation was in crises and enraged. That night, Chicago became a nightmare, ashes for dreams. Today, we have not learned very much since, it seems. Let's do more than loot and shoot, letting off steam. Catching the vision, let's live and love as one big team. Let's listen to the heart beats, before the alarming screams. written 04192007 PS 10222017 PS Condensed and revised