We are all of us responsible,
Every one.
When we pass through the terror-ridden
Darkness, alone, untried
We need candles and signs
And the occasional safe house;
So many, too many, don't make it through.
To speak, to reach out, is such a small thing,
But it requires noticing
That something is wrong,
And it requres caring
Enough to make a difference.
Instead,
We put weapons in hands that should hold lanterns,
We point the way to battlefields when we should
Show the way to understanding,
We pick out the faults and belittle uniqueness
When we need to give room
For the creation of a new being.
How many children
Are we going to throw away
In an escalating
Pointless crusade
Before we understand
That they are not the enemy?
Notes: I think this was written in response to Columbine.