In the heat-drenched stillness, I heard
The resounding echo of bullets, then blood.
My heart stung in my own chest
From the ongoing screams and bloodshed.
People running from, running to,
What was wrong, nobody knew.
It was harsh, it was painful, this tearing
Of the fabric of our country unraveling
And someone, somewhere, had the eyes
To see what we all had to beware of
The fear that our country, beloved, honorable,
Would never remember how things were
In the garden, when it came down to survival
Yet, isn’t this how it seems to be now?
The life, the breath, being squeezed from us
As the answer of ammunition among us
Can only be seen through the eyes of a few
The burning times have come again
Let our history be the lesson
But let us learn and let us listen
To everyone who speaks with a mission
Or we will not save each other
We will pass away like another
Great country with tentacles throughout
The world, we must not doubt
That we can overcome hate
I trust that this nation stands
For the good, the wise, sharing with all lands
And giving and taking to help others fly
To the heavens, O Great One, as you espy
The end of hatred, prejudice, division
Let us take each other’s hands
And form a circle, as each stands
Shoulder to shoulder in love
Guided by those above.
--Samm J. Bogner
