In Their Mothers' Eyes

We've come to pay our last respects - So hard to know what to say next. It's just harsh truth that we excise As we convey our last good-byes. When words alone don't help us grieve We search for what we can believe. While facts can foster dissonance, Emotions field a false defense. When hate and willfulness combine Coarse words and actions fall in line And set the stage for tragedy - No time to think with clarity. Teens roaming free with time to spend Devised a "hit" - with guns from friends; A drive-by aimed to score revenge For some "wrong" pride pledged to avenge. As neighbor's child went out to play Stray bullets took its life away. The "mean streets" were its enemy But grown adults refused to see. The tales that trend the evening news Do little more than to confuse - With homage paid to ad hoc views They paint a scene with changing hues. But, we see in their mothers' eyes An anguished look - they realize Such grave events can't be reversed; That day relived as truly cursed.